The Bboy’s and Bgirl’s of the Clean North Crew were blessed to start 2025 on an incredible high, as they were given the opportunity to visit Bordeaux for a third time in February, thanks to Tech Styles International. Travelling abroad with all members of the crew is a rarity, so they were extremely excited to be returning to the city as a full squad. In past years, Bordeaux has brought so many hip-hop lessons to life, giving the crew an opportunity to take many teachings back to the younger generation in Bradford. This trip was no exception, with more elements to be implemented in future too!

Arriving on the Friday evening, the energy was high, as the crew began to see the beautiful sights of the city, talking and reminiscing on the tram together as they drove into the centre. For Bgirl Fox, Ruby Rock and Dexy, this experience was a first for them and they began to see the attractions and landscape that had been described to them many a time. Over the weekend, the crew took time to take the newcomers to their beloved spots and treasures in the city and one of these included the Les Halles Baclan food market. After a long day of travel, re-visiting the food market definitely did not disappoint, walking round the numerous stalls the crew picked up some of their favourite items, appreciating the delicious and nutritious food to prepare them for the breaking events over the weekend.

Bgirl Labyrinth, Clean North Crew

On the Saturday, the crew set out early to travel to the beloved TRocke Jam to participate in both the 2v2’s and the 1v1 footwork category. Spider & Jonah One, Fox & Labyrinth and Dark Horse & Dexy entered the 2v2 battles and Stylez entered the 1V1 footwork battle. Arriving at the event, the buzz from the music and breakers could be felt from outside of the venue and the crew were happily greeted with some familiar faces. Throughout the weekend, Clean North Crew were delighted to be reconnected with many breakers from previous years such as: Jomi (Tolete muchacho/Hipnotik crew), Arsene, Marlone and Kimie (Immigrandz). Whilst also creating many new connections with Yoan, Mini Black (S-Dog Crew), Bboy Den (Ruffneck Attack) and Jerry very much. They enjoyed conversing and cyphering with many of these French and international breakers all weekend long.

The crew exchanged with many high-level dancers resulting in some extremely hype and dynamic match-ups. During the battles, Clean North showcased the original Bradford style and supported each other from the sidelines. Furthermore, the crew loved getting to watch the other battles that occurred on the Saturday. The French breakers valued difficulty, musicality and cleanliness, which made them incredibly aesthetic to watch and also resulted in many close exchanges.

Following the eventful hours, the crew wound down and went for pizza and pasta at a nearby restaurant in the village. This trip meant a lot to the crew for many reasons, getting to Bordeaux was not as smooth-sailing as they would have hoped. In fact, two members were still on route to the city on the Saturday and that was Bboy Tranquil and Bboy Elijah! In celebration of their efforts and determination after a 14 hour trip, the crew decided it would be a wonderful idea to surprise the Bboy’s at the airport after their long day of travel. Both members were equally as shocked and overjoyed to be greeted by the crew. With it being Bboy Elijahs first visit to Bordeaux, he was amazed by the views of the trams, buses and great scenery after exiting the airport.

This year, the trip brought about some new experiences even for the members who had travelled to Bordeaux before, as on the Sunday, Les Gem Jeunes & Kiff Kidz were holding a 1v1 battle with eight invites and eight open spots. Two of them spots went to Bradford’s very own Bgirl Labyrinth and Bboy Tranquil! In both of their qualifiers and top 8 battles they showcased their strengths and individuality, detail and rawness, taking many of the breakers by surprise. Last year, the crew had many experiences which taught them about mentality, health and fitness and the approach to breakin. This really showed in these two members who have embodied these elements through every move they executed and every beat they hit. Big shoutout to Tranquil & Labyrinth for representing their crew and city to the fullest!

Bboy Elijah, Clean North Crew

Leaving on a high, the crew wandered down the beautiful river Garonne, celebrating the wins of the weekend and enjoying each other’s company. Along the walk, Bboy Tranquil pointed out a spot, similar to one they had cyphered in the first year, and the crew began to get down together, vibing with each others energy and appreciating the city they were in. It is times like these that inspire people the most, and this was evident through the youngest member of the crew- Ruby Rock who began calling everyone out! Cyphering is extremely important for a crew, as it allows time to bond with each other through the dance in an artistic way, without the competitiveness of a battle or outside influence. And after a packed day, the team decided to get some well-deserved and needed rest.

The Monday morning brought about a wave of nostalgia and beautiful weather as the crew split up to enjoy breakfast in different restaurants and cafes. The second to last day was filled with exploring and sight-seeing as well as returning to a few favourite spots. These included the Books & Coffee café, located on a beautiful rustic street and Pizza Capri, which has been a must do every time they have visited France.

Of course the next adventure of the evening did indeed become full of hip-hop as the crew started to head to Salle Philippe Madrelle, where Bboy Yoan and Mini Black had invited Clean North to a training session they were hosting. Whilst there, they caught up with dancers from TRocke and Gem Jeunes and many other breakers of the city. The session was incredibly hype and each dancer was captivating in their own way. The cyphers were next level, with many meaningful exchanges that took place between the different crews.

Bgirl Fox, Clean North Crew

On the final day, the crew spent it re-visiting attractions, exploring the nearby area and trying many Bordeaux style foods before heading to the airport. During the long journey home through Paris and Amsterdam, each member reflected on the battles and cyphers had, the lessons learnt and the memories they will carry with them forever. After a trip like this, it is very important that the key stories, teachings and experience is passed on. We hope that our younger generations will be influenced by the crews words surrounding this trip and that our community in Bradford will only continue to grow. Overall, Clean North had an incredible time in Bordeaux and have learnt the importance of being strong together and united as well as staying true to the roots of the dance and where we come from.

If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at the full album of photos on Facebook and Flickr and check out the incredible recap video on YouTube. Please don’t forgot to like, follow and subscribe to our social media accounts, this really helps support us and keeps our community growing.

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