Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Davila.
Hi Omar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started breaking (break dancing) in the late 1990s. As a teenager I started to travel statewide and nationally to compete, in 2022 I started my international travels with a competition in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 16 and at age 17 I made my international debut at IBE 2003 in Rotterdamn, Holland. In 2004, I became the first Red Bull BC One World Champion and continued to compete internationally, eventually judging, teaching workshops, and doing discussion panels. My journey was documented in the documentary, Inside the Circle which premiered at SXSW in 2007 and won the audience award. The documentary was a huge success in the film festival circuit internationally. It aired on MTV in part to educate the general public about breaking while promoting our friends at America’s Best Dance Crew and was also on Netflix for quite some time. I went on to work for an entertainment company called G-Force where we had an exclusive contract with Carnival Cruise lines and also did other corporate performances. I’ve continued to dance consistently while having two children, working for over 12 years for a non-profit organization and becoming a Program Director (up until March 2022).
In February of 2020 myself, Romeo Navarro (organizer of the longest-running breaking event in Texas, Bboy City and firefighter), Roger Davis (one of my mentors as a youth and firefighter) founded Hope 4 Hip Hop LLC. We established a partnership with the new Hope Outdoor Gallery being built in Austin and have continued to do events in Austin, while also starting a breaking program to teach youth helpful life skills while using dance and Hip Hop as the tool.
I’m currently serving as the Marketing and Development Director at Breaking for Gold USA (USA Dance, Inc). Which is the national member body of the World DanceSport Federation. We are working with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to establish a sports program for breaking in the United States as it will be an Olympic Sport in Paris 2024.
I’m also a Red Bull ambassador (signed dancer) for their Red Bull BC One brand and continue to travel Nationally and Internationally to compete, judge, teach, consult, and do corporate work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I grew up in a complicated household with an immigrant father who had to work a lot to provide. At times living in poverty with many financial struggles and not having our basic needs met. My talent in breaking allowed me to start earning a living at a young age on the weekends. I graduated high school a year early to start traveling and chase my dream. Over the last 20 years, there have been many struggles, some very personal. There have been a lot of scarifies along the way to success, missing birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, etc. I’ve suffered some major injuries, a broken ankle, countless sprains, and a torn shoulder (labrum).
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Bboy (break dancer). In Austin, we were diamonds in the rough. We were so talented but often overlooked by most. In the breaking world, I’m known for having a powerful and dynamic (original) style.
I’m most proud of my determination and discipline to never quit. Even when family or close friends have doubted or even encouraged me to quit to live a “normal” life.
What set’s me apart is my work ethic, my determination, and my passion (heart). Knowing I’m able to create on the dance floor has given me a voice and has allowed me to realize that I can also create in other areas, such as event and project management/production.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
For a better look at what we’re doing in Austin, please visit www.hope4hiphop.org, get social and follow us @hope4hiphop.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hope4hiphop.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope4hiphop/
Image Credits
Erick Guerrero, Mely Navarro, Little Shao, Joseph Arceo
