In this exclusive conversation with the amazing Bronx Sistas, we take a nostalgic trip back to the origins of this remarkable dance crew and dig into their journey, marked by a historic World Championship win and their inspiring presence on TikTok. Their story, filled with passion and resilience, reminds us that dreams have no bounds.
FAB: It’s been almost two decades since you guys have been together as a team. Let’s rewind to 2004, the year it all began. What ignited the spark to form this incredible dance crew?
Bronx Sistas: It was a trio at first—Julia, Sabrina, and myself, Giusi. We ventured into movement, united by our deep friendship and a shared passion for dance. Yet, it wasn’t just a casual dance. Inspiration flowed from diverse sources. My mother, an exquisite dancer herself, introduced me to Michael Jackson and his iconic videos. From the grooves to the choreography, it was an awakening. These moments kindled our spirits and kindled the inception of our crew.
And, here’s the twist. More Bronx Sistas joined our dance journey later through our dance school. In the early days, we didn’t have fancy studio mirrors. No, we used the glass windows of city shops (laundromats). The reflections revealed our dreams. We choreographed, we danced, and gradually, dance became us. In 2007, our dance school officially opened, and the Bronx Sistas soared.
FAB: The pinnacle of your journey was the 2014 World Championship victory. Could you share some standout memories from that momentous win?
Bronx Sistas: To be candid, it was nothing short of a whirlwind. Before the World Championship, we often found ourselves in second or third place. The top spot seemed like a distant dream. Back in 2010, the notion of becoming world champions was a far-off constellation. It seemed unimaginable. The competition was fierce—a global assembly of talents from England, Canada, the USA, Japan, Mexico, and beyond. We were seven girls from the quaint corners of Germany’s Black Forest. The odds were formidable.
But in 2014, our stars aligned. That magical moment when the announcer counted “8…5…4,” we held our breath. It was nail-biting. And when they cried out our name, it was pure enchantment. We screamed, we cried, and we ran across the stage.
FAB: Winning on such a grand scale is a life-altering experience.
Bronx Sistas: Indeed, it is. Winning against male crews, many of them professional dancers with Herculean physiques, was our point of pride. Here’s the kicker: Some of these teams trained from dawn until dusk. They were the epitome of dedication. While they honed their craft full-time, we, the Bronx Sistas, had day jobs. Our training was about three or four times a week. We’d watch these crews train ceaselessly, standing outside with disbelief.
Life Beyond the Dance Floor
FAB: Each of you has your own work you do outside of dancing. Tell us more about this.
Bronx Sistas: Sabrina and I now run our dance school, but our fellow Bronx Sistas have diverse professions. Dance doesn’t exclusively fund our lives.
FAB: Your dance videos have gained tremendous popularity on TikTok. What is the secret to you guys creating such engaging and inspiring dance content for a global fan audience?
Bronx Sistas: The magic of our videos lies in their authenticity. What you see on TikTok mirrors our real lives. No pretence, no falsehood. Our success is rooted in genuine friendship and teamwork. People connect with the reality of it all. We are a dance family, bound by an authentic love for what we do. When we create content together, it’s not a job; it’s sharing time with loved ones. Our joy radiates through the screen. Our collective energy and our vibes spill over into each video.
Messages from viewers who started dancing because of us are our greatest reward. It’s about inspiring and spreading that positive energy.
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Musical Selection and Unique Dance Styles
FAB: How do you go about music selection?
Bronx Sistas: Fresh tracks on TikTok are an immediate draw. They’re viral, and we groove to them. But we also like to revive the classics, especially in hip-hop, from the ’90s and 2000s. We make the sound go viral by dancing to it. We break away from the typical TikTok dance trends, offering something fresh. It’s our way of showing the world that anyone can exude positivity through dance. We stand out.
FAB: Has your small-town background played a part in your journey?
Bronx Sistas: Our small hometown, Rastatt, wasn’t initially a patron of the arts. We remember the struggle; sponsors were elusive, especially for a group of seven. For example, for Germany’s World Championship, we didn’t have the money to pay for everything. We kindly asked for sponsorship so that we could take part in the competition, but got turned down. They favoured bigger companies with hundreds of members. Yet we persevered. We paid most of the bills ourselves, but now we have different collaborations where we can earn more money by dancing. It’s a dream come true. It’s every dancer’s dream to be able to earn money.
We’ve now established a dance school to empower the next generation. We want to demonstrate that dreams can come true with tenacity and belief. The joy we see in the kids, inspired by our videos, is heartwarming.
Future Aspirations for the Bronx Sistas
FAB: Balancing your crew’s training with teaching others—how do you manage this?
Bronx Sistas: The evening is our session. Dance lessons conclude at 8 p.m., and afterward, we switch to creation mode. Videos, content—it’s all crafted during these bewitching nighttime hours, usually till around 11 p.m. (or till the lights go out). We love dancing outdoors, right in front of our dance school. There’s a tiny supermarket there, and it’s our creative space. We have a super cool dancing room with lights, a good floor, and everything, but we love dancing outside so much. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
FAB: Dancers often face challenges such as injuries and exhaustion. How do you prioritise self-care and well-being, both physically and mentally, as performers?
Bronx Sistas: Injuries do happen, but our close bond ensures we support one another. Open communication is our strength. We feel safe when we train together. We’re sisters, and we’ve got each other’s backs.
FAB: Looking ahead, what are the aspirations for the Bronx Sistas in the dance space?
Bronx Sistas: The dream is to continue, to reach beyond social media and stages. We aim for collaborations with artists and choreographers, mirroring what the amazing Parris Goebel does. We envision fashion shows, performances, and more. The goal is to showcase our shows, inspire, and spread the positivity that dance encapsulates. Dance is a universal language that outranks words. We aspire to keep spreading those good vibes in this world that needs it more than ever.
