A new generation of B-boys and B-girls are learning their break dancing skills at the Flushing YMCA. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the following report.
Alyssa Jimenez is only nine years-old but she's already taking her break dancing skills to the next level.
"You get to express your feelings and how you know, what you know to do," said Jimenez.
Jimenez is one of 15 young people who come to the Flushing YMCA to learn how to bust a move.
The classes are led by break dancers, also known as b-boys, Michael Marrera and Joseph Reyes.
Both Reyes and Marrera have 12 years experience each dancing with their crew, "Supreme Beingz".
The men say the classes give the kids a creative outlet.
"It leads kids to do stuff that's out of the ordinary than just playing on their iPads and their phones and everything," explained Marrera.
"They have a lot of energy. So what better way to channel that energy and just let it go on the dance floor," said Reyes.
The instructors say it's also a great way to boost the kid's self-esteem.
In just eight weeks, since the class began, the kids have come out of their shells.
"I really wanted to break dance but I was a little bit shy when I just got here; when I just signed up for break dance class. So, that's why I choose to be in break dance class," said five-year old Leandro Rodriguez.
While some of the youngest members of the class were born decades after the dance style came to life, they are making it their own.
"The dancing...I like," said five year-old Christian Flaherty.
They've even found their own unique ways to bring break dancing into the 21st century.
"[I] come up with my own moves," said 11 year-old Timothy Flaherty.
As for the instructors, they hope the kids will continue breaking it down
"Eventually you kind of look up to be people to be mentors, kind of guiding you throughout generations. I hope, seven generations down like I can still see these kids doing it," said Marrera.