Yonglin Foundation has long been a staunch supporter of Taiwan's arts and dance scene, promoting international exchanges, public education, and industry development. In partnership with the Chinese Taipei Break Dance Sports Association, the foundation has jointly established the "Yonglin Breaking Dance Training Program". This initiative aims to develop specialized courses for professional popping dancers, providing top Taiwanese talents with the training and exposure needed to make a mark on the international stage.

Recently, the program's members Sun Zhen and Yang Jiali shared exciting news—they will represent Taiwan at the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifying events for breaking, scheduled for May 16-19 in Shanghai, China, and June 20-23 in Budapest, Hungary. The rankings of these competitions will determine the final qualifications, with the top 10 dancers in both the men’s and women’s categories securing their Olympic spots. Currently, Sun and Yang are intensively preparing at the National Training Center, aiming to become the first Taiwanese breakdancers to compete in the Olympics and showcase Taiwan’s dynamic energy and creativity to the world.

Comprehensive Training for World-Class Performance

"Yonglin Breaking Dance Training Program" was designed with the goal of providing Taiwanese breakdancers with the systemized training necessary to compete on the world stage. To compete at the Olympics, dancers must not only have experience in global competitions but also undergo rigorous preparation in mental resilience, physical conditioning, technical skills, and artistic creation.

Ms. Hsin Ying Tseng alongside the Chinese Taipei Break Dance Sports Association, has brought international experts into the program to guide the dancers. This includes implementing sports science to enhance physical fitness and providing cultural and creative opportunities to break barriers between different dance crews. The focus is on helping Taiwanese dancers perform their best in world-class competitions, embodying the spirit of "dancing for yourself and for Taiwan."

International Expertise and High-Level Training

In March, the program welcomed international instructors such as Lego Sam from Malaysia, the 2023 Southeast Asia Breakdancing Champion. With his experience on the verge of Olympic selection, Lego Sam brought invaluable insights to the training sessions. Another guest instructor, Killa Kolya, the 2019 Red Bull BC One Runner-Up, shared his innovative style, which has inspired countless young dancers. Mrs. Zeng actively participated in these sessions, offering support and learning alongside the participants, hoping to bring more international experience and rapid growth to Taiwan’s dancers.

Upcoming International Training and Comprehensive Preparation

In early May, the program will hold an international training session in Japan, where Taiwan’s dancers will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with top-tier Japanese breakdancers, experiencing world-class training programs. The aim is to bridge the gap between Taiwan and global dance standards.

The training curriculum also includes solid physical and psychological preparation, with courses focusing on strength and energy systems, sports nutrition, mental resilience, and advanced tricks such as flips. These comprehensive training modules ensure that dancers are physically and mentally prepared for the pressures of competition.

Breaking Down Barriers and Encouraging Artistic Innovation

Another unique aspect of the "Yonglin Breaking Dance Training Program" is its ability to break down the traditional barriers between dance crews. By bringing together five of Taiwan’s top breakdancing seeds, this program encourages a collaborative environment where dancers can share experiences and innovate beyond their usual comfort zones. This spirit of collective creativity fosters new ideas and artistic expressions, enriching Taiwan’s breakdancing culture and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the dance world.

Yonglin Foundation continues to empower Taiwan’s dancers, providing them with the tools, opportunities, and mentorship they need to achieve global success and showcase Taiwan’s vibrant street dance culture on the world stage.