The Next Mission – World Youth Breaking Championship
Just recently, Chindea Maria and Bobe Rareș, both members of Trouble Bboyz, received a new mission… one that would see them represent Trouble Academy and Romania at the World Youth Breaking Championship in Chengdu, China, as members of Romania’s National Breaking Team.
This week, these young dancers will represent us at one of the strongest international competitions in the world. Behind each of them are countless hours of intense preparation, both physically and, above all, mentally, as well as years of discipline and dedication.
At Trouble Academy, a dancer’s development goes far beyond simply learning movements during classes. Whether we are talking about regular classes, personal training, individual practice, national or international competitions, or even membership packages specifically designed to support optimal development, all of these elements directly contribute to the dancers’ growth. They give them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone every day, build their self-confidence, and progress from regular students into elite dancers.
Under the direct guidance of coach Paul Gheorghe, ex-coach of Romania’s National Breaking Team and a coach with extensive national and international experience, Maria and Rareș have learned something even more valuable than technique… they have learned how to deal with pressure, how to develop their own unique style and, most importantly, how to step onto the stage and show CHARACTER, AMBITION AND PERSONALITY.
Let’s discover coach Paul Gheorghe’s main thoughts and impressions:
From your perspective, what does it mean for Trouble Academy that two of its dancers have been selected to represent both the academy and Romania at an international competition?
“For me, the fact that two of the dancers I train have been selected to represent the academy and Romania at an international competition, such as the one in China, is both a great joy and an honor. It is a joy for them because they are moving closer to their dream and reaching the highest level, and that is proof of their development. At the same time, I can see them gradually growing from children into teenagers and young adults, and little by little, into champions.
It is not a national result, or the title of national champion, or finishing first, second or third that defines your value. From my perspective, a champion is someone who gets up every day and keeps moving forward. The fact that they have managed to reach this point means an incredible amount to me, and I am very happy that I can be there behind them, guiding them and giving them the best possible direction so that they can reach where they want to be. After all, that is my role as a coach and mentor.
From the academy’s perspective, I am extremely happy because their presence on the National Breaking Team represents results, and results represent value. In general, actions are equal to achievements, and achievements reflect your position and the level of value you bring to society, including on an international level.
What makes me especially happy is that within the academy, they are becoming examples and people who genuinely inspire others — far beyond what they may have imagined on their first day, or even when they took their very first steps into the dance studio.
For the academy, this is a major plus, and it demonstrates our value as coaches, because we are able to take any child and help them reach a high level through the quality of the training and guidance we provide.”
What was the dancers’ preparation process for this competition, and what did you focus on improving the most?
“The process has been quite a long one. We have been working together for at least three to four years.
First and foremost, it is not just about the technical side — that can be trained and developed. It is about building their character through everyday life, because what they experience in life ultimately leaves its mark on the stage as well. They have managed to go through all of these experiences…
Maria has fought some incredibly difficult battles within herself, and I am very happy that she has managed to overcome them, because that is what brought her to this point — becoming runner-up year after year, reaching the Red Bull final, and becoming a member of Romania’s National Breaking Team. She proves herself every time through her ambition and determination. But there is always room for more, and I am certain that she will reach her peak from this perspective.
As for Rareș, Bboy Reis, from my perspective, he has gone from being a child who simply enjoyed playing, or who looked at things with a very carefree attitude, to reaching a point where he shows maturity, positive personal growth, a stronger sense of belonging to Trouble and the academy, and, last but not least, an ability to understand what is being asked of him. The results followed.
However, I am certain that this is only the first step for him. He has a lot more to say, both nationally and internationally, just like Maria, Bgirl Shindy. If they respect the process I ask them to follow, I am certain they will reach the highest level.
Patience is usually the first thing to run out, but if you manage to master it, you are certainly on the path of a champion. The most important thing is to enjoy the process, not the position you achieve. And if you manage to be your own champion every single day, as they are proving at this point, the results will certainly follow — both now, when they go to China, and in the near future.
I wish them the best of luck because I know what they are capable of and I know their abilities. They can certainly make a strong impression, but it all depends on their emotional state and whether they manage to show the whole world the true character they possess, without dancing with inhibitions.”
How do you think Maria and Rareș will perform at this competition?
“It will definitely be a win for them, regardless of the result. Not everyone gets the opportunity to go where they are going now. Not everyone can earn a place on the National Team and represent Romania.
From my perspective, if they manage to control their emotions, the results will certainly be very good. I want them to constantly aim for first place and never think in terms of TOP 32, TOP 64 or TOP 128. Instead, I want them to be in a position where they believe in every moment they have on stage and focus on dancing, rather than on impressing people.
Both of them are capable of doing this, but everything depends on what they do in that moment. That is why we prepare throughout the entire year for every round — so that they can show what they know, how they dance, and who they are. If they manage to release their emotions and use them constructively, the result will certainly be beneficial for them, for Romania, and for Trouble Academy.
Personally, I have no expectations. I don’t need them to finish first, and I don’t need them to finish last. All I ask is that if they lose, they do it with their heads held high and be proud of what they did on stage. And if we win, I want us to win with our heads held high and be proud. Whatever happens, it will be a win.
I am waiting for them to come home so we can get back to work, build further, analyze what went well and what didn’t, and keep moving forward, because a champion is not built overnight. A champion is built through every moment in which you manage to get back up and keep going.
The level they are stepping into is extremely high — a world-class level — where they will meet dancers who may have more opportunities than they have, whether financially, in terms of coaching, preparation, or many other aspects.
But despite all of that, I want them to know that they are my champions and Trouble’s champions, and we are proud of them regardless of the result.”