This one is a special one to me. Words can’t explain how much I appreciate and respect The Notorious IBE. I’m not a b-girl, I love this festival not only for the talent it attracts & displays but also from the perspective of organization, communication and media.

I’m so fortunate that IBE has their roots in Holland. It’s my home so I don’t have to travel many miles unlike some other visitors who came from all over the world.

IBE is something that’s so hard to put into words. Because it resonates at such a high level that there are not many words sufficient to what we feel. Basically everyone involved with this festival from A- Z we are all drawn to positivity, to sharing and learning and Hip Hop is our driving force in that.

Also the very existence and size of IBE nowadays reaffirms what can happen when you follow your dreams or a vision and start creating something because you want to make a difference, make a positive impact on the culture you’re part of. That’s also what I decided to do almost 20 months ago and it turned out even better than I had envisioned it. Creating Salah’s interview at IBE was a blessing.

It really taught me that to make something memorable all you have to do is put your heart into it and the little spark that fueled your idea will grow into a flame on it’s own, shining light on everything that surrounds it. I want to thank the people who came up to me this year just to express their appreciation for what I do with Step x Step Dance. It means so much more than you know and makes all the sleepless nights more than worth the while. When I work on SxS I forget about dates, time and even eating, I just follow my vision and ride the wave of possibilities. I know this is the same for any dancer and it could never be a bad thing. When you find something that makes everything else fade away you hold on to it.

So with all this positivity does that mean it’s unnecessary to discuss the development, stagnation or possibilities of our culture? No, because without the talk shows and discussions in the program you would also miss the words with fire that makes you reflect, all the emotional stories and hilarious anecdotes about what would otherwise be forgotten times to the youngsters.

This year I felt it was important to have Tyrone and Mario speak out since IBE almost never came to fruition. Naturally this duo was so busy that I only got one in front of the camera but I’m confident I used my time well. All things are subject to change, even this amazing phenomena and believe it or not by going back to some of the basics this temporary bboy village was more alive then ever.

When you walked into Heerlen you could feel the inspiration & respect floating around and ultimately we all came to that place to celebrate Peace, Unity, Love and having a FUN. That’s what is in my opinion the only thing that keeps a human being moving forward.

That’s why there’s nothing else in the world I’d like to spent all my time, resources and energy on.

Whatever you do next year, make sure you join us.

Place a bet you know you’re gonna win. Be so awesome that other people will invest in your attendance here, in the spirit of the fifth element hitchhiking could be an option too.. But whatever you do getting to IBE should be a priority on your buck(et)list.

Lastly, thank you Mario for your words. I hope they inspire other people like they did me. I salute you, Paul and Mr Tee who’s been my first connection to 45-Live and kept it 100 with me ever since.

One, Stefani.