KARACHI: A Brazilian-American dancer and choreographer praised the dedication of Pakistani performers and admired their passion for the art form after being invited to Karachi to judge a dance competition earlier this week.
Fabiano Carvalho Lopes, better known by his stage name Neguin, gained international recognition for his exceptional skills in breaking, a style of dance that originated in hip-hop culture. Neguin has won several prestigious competitions, including the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2010, solidifying his status as one of the top break-dancers in the world.
He has also been involved in teaching and promoting breaking through workshops and performances worldwide. Neguin is currently based in New York, although his craft has taken him to 143 countries, including Pakistan.
“It’s my second time in Karachi,” he said while speaking to Arab News. “The dancers here are so dedicated and have so much passion for this art form. It’s a blessing for me to come here and share my knowledge with them, and I am extremely grateful to be here.”
He mentioned that he came to Karachi to judge the B-Boy Dance Battle arranged by the Arts Council of Pakistan last weekend, with various dance groups from the city participating in the competition. Neguin had also visited the country around the same time last year for the same competition.
“It’s a pleasure for me to be here and explore the culture,” he said. “My time in Karachi has been amazing. I have friends who took me to the beach and various parts of the city.”
Discussing his passion for breakdance, Neguin mentioned he was the first in his hometown to pursue it at a young age.
“Hip-Hop culture has brought people together more than anything else, be it religion or government,” he stated. “It’s a powerful worldwide phenomenon that can take you to different places and cultures, and Pakistan is no exception.”
When asked if he had a message for young Pakistanis aspiring to perform like him on the international stage, he said, “These kids are capable of having fun and doing something positive.”
“My message to them is freedom,” he continued. “Be free to express, enjoy yourselves, and be free to be happy.”
