Breaking
Breaking
B-Girl Ami on traveling, inspiration and crew support
Find out how Red Bull BC One All Star Ami inspires Japan’s next generation of B-Girls by repping her roots on dance floors across the globe.
B-Girl Ami was the first b-girl ever to win the Red Bull BC One World Final in 2018 - the inaugural year of the b-girl category. Ami quickly became another testament to Japan’s prowess in producing next-level breakers. In 2019, Ami was once again crowned a world champion, this time at the first WDSF World Breaking Championships. In 2023, she took the Red Bull BC One belt a second time, making her one of only two b-girls to win the prestigious title twice.
Since 2020 she has traveled the world, competing at the highest level and sharing her craft with fellow dancers. There’s no question it’s been a whirlwind for B-Girl Ami but the glossy co-signs and hype comes off the back of faultless determination and hard work.
Partnered with B-Girl Ami’s wicked skills are a strongly supportive family driving her. When she was coming up herself, her mother often drove through the night so that she could flex her moves on the street corners of Japan, hitting up the top practice spots frequented by the best breakers in order to make a name for herself. Ami swerved from her initial introduction into hip-hop by her sister to follow her passion and become a B-Girl. She not only hit the studio but sourced out the best-suited mentors to perfect her craft.
Whether it’s jumping on a plane to the next battle, performing back to back with the greatest or headlining a workshop to a packed out studio, despite her hectic demands Ami’s quick to pay it back to her family by loving every minute and coming at each opportunity with full speed. Following her appearance on Rise of the B-Girls Season 2, we managed to sneak some time with B-Girl Ami to chat about what makes Japan’s dancers so next level, how she’s repping her crew Good Foot away from home and most importantly amid the new fame, staying true to herself.
What was the breaking scene like in Japan when you started?
It was a nice scene already but not as big or the same as it is now. As for kids, that’s definitely changed. When I started, there were barely any young B-Boys and B-Girls.
How have you seen the difference between the Japan scene and B-Girl scenes in other countries?
I don’t know the B-Girl scenes in other countries the same way that I know my own so I can’t compare it. But what I can say is that Japan’s B-Girl scene now is at a really high level and it’s only getting better and bigger.
What was the most challenging part of breaking when you first began?
I always get nervous so easy. So the most challenging part for me is winning over myself and my nerves and doing my best on the stage.
What is the most challenging and also the most exciting part of your lifestyle as a BC One All Star now?
I have so many more chances now to get experience than I did before. For me, that’s the most exciting thing because I get so much inspiration from that.
Angyil, Ami, Dassy and Kyoka at the Red Bull Dancer Tour Japan 2019
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
With a long list of titles behind you including making history as the first-ever BC One B-Girl World Champion, what new goals do you want to accomplish next?
I don’t have goals. I wanna keep doing the same I’ve done up until now, and the same thing as before.
What was the most important lesson you learnt from your first teachers?
How to enjoy the breaking and how important it is to be myself.
How do you stay creative and continue to develop your dance?
I’m inspired by many things, and because of that, my inspiration has become my motivation.
Ami shows her crazy footwork skills
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
You travel all the time! Where has been the craziest place you’ve visited so far? Where is your dream place to go that you haven't had the chance to visit yet?
Every place I’ve gone there is a new experience and a special one for me always. I have so many places that I want to visit, but if I have to choose one, I really wanna go backpacking around Southeast Asia.
What do you miss the most when you're away from home?
My family, practicing with my sis Ayu and my bed!!!
Do you see other parents in Japan supporting their children who want to become dancers as your mother did? If not, what advice would you give to parents to help their kids succeed in the breaking scene?
I don’t know... I think every family has their own relationship style. I just don’t want parents to give them (B-boys and B-Girls) so much pressure. For me, the important thing is that they enjoy breaking.
On the topic of family, how did it feel battling against your sister?
For me, I just try to do my best in a battle every time. But honestly, I don’t wanna battle against her!
How important is it for you to represent your crew Good Foot when your solo and away from home?
When I represent my crew, I feel stronger. I’m proud, and it makes me glad to know that people from across the globe are starting to know my crew more and more.
If you hadn’t become a B-Girl and professional dancer what do you think you would be doing?
Umm, I’m not sure.??! I’d maybe be cooking and knitting with my mom!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a B-Girl?
Be yourself. Do the thing that YOU want to, and enjoy it.
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