The Milwaukee breakers see their Olympic debut as a chance to inspire

MILWAUKEE – Two breakdancers from different generations were filled with pride watching breakdance’s Olympic debut.

For Ramon Candelaria and Jose Vargas, the moment is a milestone for breakers and hip-hop.

Both men grew up on the south side of Milwaukee and described Mitchell Street as the local center for the art form, commonly known as breakdancing.

“To me, words can’t explain. To me it’s shocking, it still feels like a dream,” Vargas said after watching Friday’s competition.

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“It’s amazing to see how much the breakdancing genre has evolved as well. It’s amazing to see what it’s based on, the diversity and the community of the competitions,” Candelaria added.

The two have watched breakers from around the world combine the art and athleticism they know so well. People who break are called b-girls or b-boys.

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“I saw incredible style. I saw incredible creativity,” explained Vargas.

“It’s as hard or harder than any other sport to train for, be a part of, and do well physically,” Candelaria said.

Vargas and Candelaria have a history together.

Candelaria was considered one of the original Milwaukee Boys. He was full of pride watching the Olympics.

“I don’t have to be at the Olympics right now to feel like a part of me is there,” Candelaria said.

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Vargas used to dance at a center opened by Candelaria. Now, Vargas uses the art form to create community through his organization Ill Threadz MKE.

These two men hope the Olympic stage inspires others to see how far opportunity can take them.

“You can be in the movie ‘Step Up,’ you can be on stage with different artists, but you can also be a gold medalist in the Olympics,” Vargas said.

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