Written by McDonald’s New York Tri-State Restaurants
ISELIN, NJ – AUGUST 24, 2015 – Local dance crew Beast Coast claimed the top prize at McDonald’s B-Boy Royale 2, New York City’s largest breakdance competition, on Saturday night. Comprised of three long-time friends, the team beat out Team Entree to win $5,000 and the 2015 McDonald’s B-Boy Royale championship in front of a sold-out crowd at the NYU Skirball Center. Hosted by rapper MC Jin and former MTV VJ Grace Subervi, the competition featured 8 leading dance crews from across the East Coast, special performances and the presentation of the first-ever Ronald McDonald House Charities / McDonald’s B-Boy Royale Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary breaker Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón, 49, an original member of the renowned Rock Steady Crew and its current president.
“We are totally thrilled about winning this year’s McDonald’s B-Boy Royale and to share the same stage with Crazy Legs, who is a living legend in the breaking community,” said Richard “Whorah” Reategui of Beast Coast. “It’s been an unforgettable experience.”
The event also served as a charity fundraiser, with all ticket proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area (RMHC-NYTSA), which helps children achieve their fullest potential. The non-profit organization and McDonald’s selected Crazy Legs, who began dancing at the age of 12, for their inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award not only because of his accomplishments in the world of breaking –which spans nearly four decades– but also his global humanitarian work.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized for the work I’ve done both on and off the dance floor,” stated Crazy Legs, who is currently spearheading a movement called “Puerto Rock Steady” which he created to help revitalize Puerto Rico’s economy and education system. “I hope this award encourages more b-boys and b-girls to contribute to their communities and ‘become the change they wish to see in the world’.”
“Crazy Legs is a perfect example of a celebrity who has utilized his fame and influence to create positive change in the community,” said Chris Perry, Executive Director of RMHC-NYTSA, who co-presented the Lifetime Achievement Award with McDonald’s franchisee Jessica Quintana.
“Crazy Legs has traveled the world to help the less fortunate while also continuing to generously give back to his community,” said Quintana. “He’s not only an iconic b-boy but also an amazing humanitarian.”
The other teams who competed at McDonald’s B-Boy Royale 2 were 5 Crew Dynasty (NY), Beast Coast (NY), Dynamic Rockers (NY), Lionz of Zion (DC), Silverback Young Bloods (Miami/NY), Supreme Beingz (NY), Team Entree (NY) and Titanz (NY).
