HOUSTON – This Saturday, River Oaks Theatre flips the script—transforming from a historic movie house into a high energy dance floor for Break Free Day – Global Dance Battle, a one of a kind fusion of breakdancing, theatrical storytelling, and a celebration of hip-hop culture rooted in the Bronx.
“Breaking is about battling and that’s how it all began,” says Jeremy Pena, president of Break Free Worldwide, the powerhouse behind this global movement and the group leading this weekend’s action.
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From local roots to global reach
Founded in 2011, Break Free Worldwide started as a community center in Houston. By 2014, it evolved into a breaker specific hip-hop schools founded by dancers, for dancers.
“We’ve been blessed to travel to over 40 countries, where we lead cultural and educational initiatives for kids who want to learn,” Pena said. “It’s not just about breaking... it’s about building confidence, creativity, and life skills that go far beyond the dance floor.”
Culture, competition, and cinematics collide
This weekend’s Global Dance Battle promises a fully immersive experience. Break Free Worldwide is bringing top dancers from its international network alongside local talent and rising stars from its Houston school.
The main auditorium at River Oaks Theatre will be reimagined with cinematic visuals, dynamic lighting, live DJs, and real time audience interaction, including Q&A sessions, call and response moments, and digital voting that lets the crowd help shape the outcome of each battle.
“They’re competing, representing Houston and they’re going to throw down,” Pena says.
This isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of history, innovation, and community.
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Event details
Tickets: $35 (includes all workshops and the main event)
Where: River Oaks Theatre
When: Saturday, July 27
Schedule
11:00 am: Graffiti art, meet and greets, and photo ops
Auditorium 1
11:00am – 12:00pm: Workshop 1
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Workshop 2
Main Event
1:30pm - 5:00pm: Dance exhibition and competition
Why it matters
Breaking also known as breakdancing emerged from the Bronx over 50 years ago alongside the rise of hip-hop, graffiti, DJing, and MCing. While the dance form has now reached the Olympic stage, Break Free Worldwide is focused on keeping its roots alive.
“We preserve breaking culture through education and competition,” says Pena. “At its core, breaking is about battling... that’s how it all started in the Bronx. We carry that legacy forward through events like this weekend at River Oaks Theatre.”
Ready to break free?
Get your tickets now at their website.
