Understanding 'the real vibe'

"I'm probably the most diverse locker in the world," he noted. "People may think hip-hop looks dynamic, but it's actually more repetitive than locking. Locking has over a dozen elemental movements — you have to show them all, or it's not locking anymore."

Jay believes that his versatility and fusion of styles, blending Latin influences and beyond, make him a standout competitor.

"Judges don't just see technique — they see diversity. That's what I aim to deliver."

The recent show is not Jay's first time captivating global attention, nor does it hold a candle to his capacity in his prime. But this time, bringing his son onto the stage means something different — the bond of carrying on the talent and tradition: "We must pass on the street dance of China, of the world," Jay said.

He is doing just that. As a mentor on television shows like This Is Youth, as the founder of the renowned "Star Lockers" crew and studio, and as principal of his own dance school, Jay has cultivated a generation of young dancers — known collectively in the street dance community as "Xiao's Class". His students have become champions in their own right, including "Locking Dou", who has claimed multiple national youth titles. His teaching goes beyond technique.

"Street dance isn't just performance — it's connection. It was born from the streets, cyphers, circles and friendships. That's the part I worry is being lost," he said in an exclusive interview for Chengdu's Hip-Hop Exhibition at the A4 Art Museum.

At a time when breaking has been in the Olympics, making its debut at Paris 2024, and street dance is enjoying newfound legitimacy, Jay warns against the sport losing its soul. "Street dance was born in the streets. You gotta have actually danced in the streets to understand the real vibe, to know what genuine street culture feels like," he said.

Today, Xiao remains a singular force amid China's street dance landscape. As he continues to represent the nation on international stages, his story serves as both a blueprint and a beacon — for young dancers, for street culture and for anyone who believes in the power of movement to carry meaning across generations.

Jiang Xinyu contributed to this story.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn