Johnny Castro
Documentary photography and academic research exploring the intersection of Hip Hop culture and breaking.
Scholarship
I am interested in what Funk breaks mean to breaking. I pay attention to my personal lived experiences as a long-time bboy (practitioner) of breaking and the Hip Hop culture overall. I pay particular attention to the importance of knowledge production in ways that parallel Indigenous communities. I honor Hip Hop traditions and remain curious about the invisibilization of the kenisthetic aesthetics within the dance element.
Through this lens, we explore how breaking transcends the physical, serving as a profound cultural narrative. My work aims to document the evolution of the art form while maintaining a sophisticated academic perspective on its global impact.
Visual Culture
The Horizon
My Roots
With over twenty years of experience as a practitioner, I have dedicated my life to the physical and cultural discipline of breaking. My journey is defined by a deep-rooted connection to the aesthetic principles of Hip Hop, where every cypher is a dialogue between history and the present. As a PhD student, I bridge the gap between the street and the academic world, documenting the artistry of the breaker to preserve its legacy for future generations.
Connect with Johnny
Whether you are an academic collaborator or a fellow practitioner, I welcome your inquiries regarding my research or creative work.
Email: illphonix@arizona.edu
Academic Affiliation: Critical Dance Studies Department, University of California, Riverside. Africana/Black Studies Department, University of Arizona.
BREAKING NARRATIVES