Namita Nayyar:
While performing Breakdancing that consists mainly of four kinds of movement—top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes—and is typically set to songs containing drum breaks, especially in funk, soul, and hip-hop, it’s about finding a balance between showcasing strengths and creating a captivating performance. Elaborate?
Courtnae Paul:
Breaking is the pioneering dance style of Hip Hop, recognized by its fusion of athleticism and artistry. With roots in funk, martial arts, and gymnastics, breaking has evolved into a sport that demands high impact, physicality and creativity.
As the mantra goes: “Train like an athlete, dance like an artist.” Breaking is more than just crazy moves – it’s about the style and character you bring to the floor or cypher. While studying the fundamental steps is essential, self-expression and individuality are the heartbeat of breaking.
Namita Nayyar:
You are an acclaimed B-Girl, DJ, creative director, entertainment producer, choreographer and performer for brands. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Courtnae Paul:
Initially, I didn’t have a choice, but now I realize it’s because I thrive on controlled chaos. Juggling various roles is stressful and pressure-filled, especially because I try to do each of them at a high level. Every project I take on pushes me physically, mentally, and emotionally, but that’s how I know I’m alive. I’m living my dream, and that pressure is a price I’m willing to pay.
The upside is that my mixing pot of interests complements each other really well. In my youth, I chased balance, but with age, I’ve come to accept that true balance is unattainable. One aspect will always take precedence – currently, that’s breaking.
To manage, I rely on an airtight schedule and focus on one shoot, event, competition, or campaign at a time. Occasionally, I hit a wall and need to recharge by doing absolutely nothing. Though rare, my downtime is also incredibly important.
Namita Nayyar:
Which event in your breakdancing journey acted as a catalyst in your metriotic rise as a leading South African Break Dancer?
Courtnae Paul:
Red Bull BC One has hands-down been a total game-changer for me. When they introduced the B-Girl category after over a decade of its debut in South Africa, it was a major milestone that put female breakers on the global map. For me, it was also my first taste of high-level competitive breaking.
My first time competing at Red Bull BC One in 2021 was an incredible experience. Winning the trophy was amazing, but what came after was even more impactful. It showed me that I have what it takes to compete at that level, and it gave me the push I needed to explore this journey further.
Interestingly, I hadn’t been involved in competitive breaking for many years until lockdown. The sudden rise of online platforms, followed by opportunities from Red Bull BC One and the Olympics, completely transformed my breaking trajectory. Now, our scene is shining and this newfound visibility has allowed me to focus on my craft more than ever. Although I may have missed a few pivotal years, I’m making the most of it now.
Namita Nayyar:
You had a memorable sporting participation with your performances as being ranked as the highest African across male and female categories in the debut Olympic Qualifier Series 2024. Tell us more about this landmark achievement in your break dancing career.
Courtnae Paul:
The entire experience felt surreal, like I was watching my journey unfold from outside my body. On one hand, I felt validated by the hard work I’d put in, like I’d earned my place. On the other hand, it was crazy to see how far I’d come, from a place where this dream seemed impossible.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. My journey’s had its fair share of crazy highs and lows. Competing against world-class athletes is intimidating enough, but it’s even tougher when you don’t have the same support structures they do. I realized that despite the obstacles, my unconventional journey has a clear purpose: to show up as my best self, for myself and for my continent.
Not qualifying for the Games was disappointing, but being part of the journey and making it as far as I did meant everything to me.
Namita Nayyar:
You must have a coach who has been a catalyst who helped you pave the way to rise in your career with discipline and a never stopping attitude. Elaborate about his/her influence on your professional sporting life?
Courtnae Paul:
I’ve got a solid team behind me. My coach AJ has been instrumental in my growth since we started working together in 2022. It was a crazy time – I was just starting to compete internationally and I was in way over my head! But AJ helped me completely revamp my approach to breaking.
It wasn’t easy, of course. We butted heads a bit (and we still do, lol) and I had to deal with some tough losses, but he taught me to trust the process and we’ve seen the results.
One of the challenges is that AJ is based in the UK, so we have to get creative with our training sessions. I’ve also got a mentor in DJ Renegade, a chiropractor, sports therapist, a strength and conditioning coach, and I go to yoga classes. It really does take a village!
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