Pursuing dreams is usually easier said than done. Not many can endure the challenges of life and persevere till success happens. Five young street dancers have experienced ups and downs in their pursuit of dreams, but the challenges did not wear them down. Formed for over seven years, the street dance team started from dancing on the streets of housing estates and have now made their way to the proper stage, and this achievement did not come by easily.

‘Nuclear Crew’, a name that suggests explosive power. In physics, nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two nuclei join to form a larger nucleus and release energy. Like nuclear fusion generating great energy by merging, the five dance lovers joined as a team and together their passion for dancing multiplies, creating cohesive force that keeps them move towards their dreams.

Dancing Changes your Mind
These five young men were once a group of unmotivated students who interested in nothing but video games and pop stars. In order to find some ways to help them, their school asked social workers to put these boys in some interest classes. Influenced by their pop star idols, the boys suggested learning to dance. Unexpectedly, they fell in love with it as soon as they started. Team member Tsui Kam-wun has deep feelings for this experience. ‘‘You can be motivated when you’re really into something. And results can really show if practising hard.’ Talking about the early days when he first started dancing, Lai Sheung-yat describes them as a ‘painful’ experience, ‘During the first three months, we did so much stretching that our legs hurt. The strength training with repetitive movements was also boring. But later I realise these are essential for building a solid foundation.’

Upon repetitive practice, Nuclear Crew was gradually taking shape. Encouraged by Salvation Army social workers, these young men began taking part in various public performances. Cheers and applause from the audience have always been giving them a sense of satisfaction since then, and yet they treasure the not-sogood experiences as well. ‘Once we were doing a flash mob street dance. The passers-by weren’t very amused, some watched as if we were weirdos, and the police came to drive us away from the spot. It was quite embarrassing,’ So Hing-wang said smilingly. They did not win applause for their performance on that occasion, but they gained an invaluable courage training experience.

Empowering Cheers
Boys who do street dance would call themselves ‘B-Boy’, a term that signifies a sense of innovation and playfulness, and creative in the steps and movements. Nevertheless, team performance requires choreography and teamwork. Despite the passion for dancing, intensive practice prior to performances is still an annoying process for the free loving B-Boys. ‘We keep practising for months before a performance, repeating the same moves intensively. Rehearsal time is really tight. We rush to the rehearsal room as soon as we get off work, but we finish work at different time. Sometimes some teammates may miss the practice because of work or family matters. The process isn’t easy…’ said Pun King-man. ‘That’s why having goals matters a great deal!’ he added firmly.

They were once ignorant boys, but since they fell in love with street dance, these young men have become confident dancers. They said frankly that they will never get tired of hearing the cheers of the audience. Sin Pakhong thanks everyone who has watched the performance of Nuclear Crew, ‘They are witnesses of Nuclear Crew at different stages. Their cheers show their recognition that empowers us even more!’

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