Puttin' in Work: Breaking Barriers
panel

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The Panelist

Researcher
Dr. Japji Anna Bas, PCC, aka wordmama, is a spoken word poet, former b-girl, qualitative researcher, wellbeing environments subject matter expert and the founder and managing director of Flourish Wellbeing Sass Inc. Building on her roots as an inner-city kid, Dr. Bas has focused her work in community-engaged research, as a social services provider and related efforts to foster comprehensive wellbeing. As a trained interdisciplinarian with relevant first-hand experience, Japji’s capacity to cultivate safe spaces and meaningful dialogue offers a foundation for analysis that offers profound insights and actionable solutions
Moderator
Adrian Bernard A.K.A Switch B is one of Toronto’s Top B-Boys and Hip-Hop Arts Educators. Having started dance in 2002, Adrian has travelled to many countries and parts of Canada through Educational, as well as competitive ventures. Through Arts Education, Adrian has taught dance at a number of First Nations Reserves alongside Community Centre’s, High school classrooms, Rehabilitation clinics, halfway houses, and at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre a Youth Prison. Outside of education Switch B has developed a reputation as a Battle B-Boy. In 2007 his dance crew The Floor Assassins Militia represented Canada in the B-Boy Unit World Finals in Seoul Korea. The F.A.M. has won The House of Paint Hip-Hop festival three times, and Switch B took first place at the Skillz-O-Meter 5 Championships in Montreal back in 2015. Since then Adrian has been dedicated to training and educating the next generation of dancers in Toronto.
Panelists
Tiffany Leung - B-Girl Tiff, representing Kuru Crew and Team Canada, holds the title as Canada's top-ranked B-Girl. Her passion for breaking, discovered during her university years, has since ignited a remarkable ascension to the top of the Canadian Breaking scene. Earning the respect of the Canadian Breaking Community, she's taken her style beyond borders, competing in numerous international events and making a name on the global stage. Most recently, Tiff clinched her spot in the upcoming Pan Am Games this November. With her consistent performances and dynamic style, Tiff is not just making waves domestically, but also on the international stage, marking a steady ascent to global B-Girl notoriety.
Panelists
Roberto ‘Bob’ Veruela Jr. aka B-boy Boobjester, is an influential figure within the Winnipeg/Canada B-boy community. His journey in the world of dance, which commenced in 1994, is a testament to his dedication and passion for the art form. Today, he continues to contribute his talents and expertise to breaking crews such as Dangerous Goods and Maximum Efficiency, enriching the local breaking scene.Beyond his dance performances, Bob has played an active role in organizing Breaking events through the Wintor Massiv collective such as Red Bull Canada’s BC One and Dance Your Style. along with offering his judgment/adjudication at breaking competitions, holding certification through the World DanceSport Federation. Bob currently serves as the National Program Director at Unity Charity, where he designs and implements Hip Hop Arts programs.
Panelists
Geoff ‘Sirblurr’ Reyes (Ajax, ON), is blessed to be able to blend his his triad of passions in Community Building, Art, and Sport as the Executive Director of You Be ILL, High Performance Director/CDS Breaking Sports Director for Team Canada, and President of Breaking Canada. Geoff is a Professional Engineer of Ontario and believes in encouraging others to make the biggest impact within our communities by contributing with our strengths, pursuit of passion, and collaboration. Geoff proudly reps Unreal Eth-x, 5th Element crew and Apex out of Scarborough, Ontario.
Panelists
Eric Tran also known as "Transitionz", has been dancing for over 10 years. He started his journey in high school where a group of breakers inspired him to pursue this unique journey. Over the decade, he has competed many times in Toronto and even extended all over North America. He is also an important member of the Breakdancing community as he has hosted many competitions since the pandemic to keep the community engaged. After being a business professional for 3 years who graduated from Ryerson University in HR, he has decided to share his passion of dance to the younger generation and wishes to grow the dancing scene. He has taught students of all ages for over 2 years now, and takes great pleasure in seeing his students progress and improve!
Panelists
Jackie Agudo aka JK-47, a Vancouverite coming from Los Angeles, is a recognized international competitor, performer, and workshop facilitator. Culminating her victories across North America and executing on the grandest of stages from IBE- We Bgirlz, Holland, BOTY, UK championships, to becoming the first winner of the USA Redbull BC One Bgirl Finals in Houston,Texas. JK’s status of eminence has only been further solidified with her work off the battlefield with one of the well known Hip Hop theater and tour productions. Standing as one of the members of the Award Winning Cast of The Hip Hop Nutcracker 2019. She continues to bring her cultural and competitive talents to The Get Down Sisters Project, UniverSOUL Hip Hop in Los Angeles and currently touring with BboyIzm. As a leader and role model, JK continues to push the generations through multiple artistic disciplines. Challenging the communities and sharing her love for the culture.

Supported by

UNITY Artist Network
UNITY Charity
Breaking Canada

Research funded by

CCA