DAM: Jeff Dunne is a sixteen year old breakdancer from the Tweed Coast (NSW). After winning the Oceania Breaking Championship, he’s now heading to the Paris Olympics 2024 to represent Australia. With its successful debut at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Breaking (or Break Dancing) will now feature for the first time at this year’s Olympic Games. An incredible feat and clearly well earned, we spoke to Jeff on where his passion for Breaking began and how he’s feeling leading up to the Games.
DAM: Jeff, what got you into dancing? Was there a particular memory you have?
JD: My sister was doing a hip hop class but I liked watching the breaking class as I thought that was cool . After watching for weeks and weeks I tried doing a freeze like they were doing and the next week I was in the class .
DAM: When did you decide to pursue dance professionally – was it always the goal?
JD: Yes it’s always been a goal to be able to break professionally and this is just the start for me. I’ve got many goals still to achieve.
DAM: What was it about breakdancing that stood out to you compared to other styles of dance?
JD: The power moves I thought were dope and I just wanted to do those and then as I learnt all the different aspects of breaking I just loved it more.
DAM: Do you have a favourite track you like to dance to?
JD: Yep Scenario by A Tribe called Quest. I do love many others also.
DAM: How did you feel when you found out you qualified for the Paris Olympics?
JD: I was overwhelmed not so much shocked as I’ve been training for this since they announced it would be in the Olympics. I knew I wanted to be there so once I qualified I was super happy.
DAM: How are you feeling in the lead up to the Olympics?
JD: My body is in great shape and I’m training hard with my coaches as I know I’m going to be the underdog going into them.
DAM: Is there anything in particular that keeps you going/motivated?
JD: Making podium and winning a medal.
DAM: What advice would you have for someone starting out in dancing?
JD: You have to have determination and commitment. You’ve also got to love it.
Jeff’s in need of help to get the training he needs to bring Australia home a gold medal, you can donate to his Go Fund Me Page and find out more here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeff-dunne-breaking-for-gold
Follow Jeff’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j__attack/
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Published by Sangeetha Gowda ~
Diversity Australia Magazine 