In Houston, Texas, Jeff Louis stands as one of the top five break dancers globally. Yet, just before a performance, he admits uncertainty about how it will unfold.
“I never know exactly what I’m gonna do,” Jeff confessed to ABC13. “Even 30 seconds before the music starts.”
However, once he starts moving, his skills captivate.
Known as B-Boy Jeffro in competitions, the 29-year-old attributes his break dancing journey to his older brother’s support during middle school.
“My style is like a vibe of explosions,” Louis explained. “The vibe? You’re gonna feel it. It doesn’t matter if you’re my opponent. You’re gonna feel it. I’m gonna feel it. The crowd is gonna feel it.”
Despite his success now, Jeff faced doubts about his craft not long ago.
A Westside High School and University of Houston alum, he felt pressure when he realized his passion might not be financially viable, and his parents didn’t fully support it.
“When I was in high school, that’s when I really realized my parents were against it,” Louis reflected. “I’m gonna stop for sure. Because I know my parents, they wanted better for us. It was not for them. It was for us.”
But before he could quit, breaking burst into the scene.
Louis secured sponsorships for international competitions, adjusted his degree plan, and now operates a dance fitness business in Houston while training for Team USA at the same studio.
In late 2020, the International Olympic Committee added breaking as an official Olympic sport for the upcoming games. In a bracket-style competition, judges will determine winners through head-to-head battles featuring three, minute-long rounds. Louis competes against one other man for the final spot on the U.S. team for the Paris Olympics. His fate will be decided in one-on-one battles in May and June.
“I feel confident about those next two competitions,” Louis said. “And even if I’m confident, I’m still gonna get nervous the day of the competition. It’s just in me.”
