Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying world of hip-hop dance culture at the Break the Maze Festival in Cyprus. With its focus on one-on-one Breaking and All Styles battles for different age groups, this festival is the ultimate destination for those who crave a unique and unforgettable dance experience. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a spectator, you'll be swept away by the pulse-pounding music, mind-blowing dance performances, cutting-edge art, and fashion, all set against the backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful island of Cyprus. This incredible event, which has drawn dancers from all over the world, continues to grow year after year.
How it all started
The story of this epic festival begins with Giannis, a finance expert turned event organizer, who stumbled upon Red Bull BC One Live and was completely mesmerized. With his company already hosting various sports events, Giannis took the plunge and launched Break the Maze in 2018, starting from scratch and taking baby steps in its inaugural year. Unfortunately, like many other events, the festival was forced to cancel in 2020 due to the global pandemic. But the show went on in 2021, with Break the Maze finding a new home in the bustling city of Limassol, specifically the Molos Skatepark, where the energy and excitement reached new heights.
Hip Hop Dance in Cyprus
The hip hop scene in Cyprus is thriving, and there's no shortage of exciting events to attend throughout the year. While Break the Maze Dance Festival is undoubtedly one of the biggest and hottest events on the calendar, there are other must-see events that are just as spectacular. For example, Non-stop battles, which takes place every February in Larnaka, is a high-octane competition that never fails to impress. Another event that's worth checking out is Next Urban Legends, a recent addition to the scene that made its debut in January 2023 in Nicosia. With so many events to choose from, dance schools across the island keep a close eye on what's happening, eager to showcase their skills and connect with others who share their passion for hip hop dance.
Local Community
The local community and government always support the events through their schemes: Ministry of Tourism, Cyprus Sports Organization, Cyprus Youth Organization. Also, event organizers work closely with certain embassies to help them fly world-class dancers to the island. Local radio and TV channels are involved such as Mix FM and Sigma TV.
Leading Sponsors
Neapolis University Pafos has taken on the role of the main sponsor for Break the Maze Dance Festival, while Red Bull Cyprus is working closely with Red Bull International to bring in Red Bull Dancers and help the festival grow. With the support of these major sponsors, the festival has been able to attract talented dancers from all over the world and bring in significant economic benefits for the local community, including local hotels like NYX Hotel Limassol and Park Beach Hotel , restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The Vision
Looking towards the future, Break the Maze Dance Festival has a clear vision to establish itself as a premier destination for hip hop dance events on the world map, with a goal of becoming a week-long festival like Notorious IBE or Outbreak. The upcoming 5th edition of the festival will take place from September 14th to 17th at Molos Skatepark, featuring an array of dance battles, parties, workshops, and smaller competitions. With each passing year, the festival continues to grow in size and popularity, cementing its place as a major event in the world of hip hop dance.
