The award-winning dancer, who also acted in local movie ‘The Way We Dance’, is getting ready for Hong Kong’s first Red Bull Dance Your Style contest
Hong Kong street dancer Lam Yuet-wing, who performs under the name Bobby, broke into the international dance scene in 2016, when he was crowned the Asia-Pacific champion in the popping category at the Czech Republic’s Street Dance Kemp, one of Europe’s most famous street dance competitions.
The 32-year-old Hongkonger, who’s a master at popping—a style of street dance characterised by jerky robotic movements—has also acted and danced alongside Mirror’s Yeung Lok-man in local film The Way We Dance (2013), directed by Adam Wong.
This year, Bobby will compete in the Red Bull Dance Your Style competition, an international mixed-style dance competition covering more than 30 regions. Hong Kong is joining the contest for the first time, with 16 contestants facing off on September 17 on the steps of Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. The local winner—decided by public vote—will compete at the finals in Frankfurt in November.
Ahead of the Hong Kong leg of the Red Bull competition, Tatler caught up with Bobby to talk all things hip-hop.
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What inspired you to become a popping dancer?
When I was in primary school, I wasn’t particularly good at studies, and I wasn’t interested in any of the extracurricular activities my parents had arranged for me. Then I came across an online dance forum that talked about street dance. I began looking for classes to take. It turned out to be something I’m good at and find joy in.
How has your dancing evolved?
I’ve been dancing for 17 years. In my early days, I was very uncomfortable about competing with and freestyling in front of hundreds of dancers. In a battle, you would have 30 to 50 seconds to demonstrate your best tricks and stand out. But after joining many battles, I’ve gained confidence. It’s all about practising and watching as many performances as you can.