With co-sponsorship by the U.S. Embassy, American dance artists “Nasty Nate” (a/k/a Mr. Nathan Cano) and “Joel” (a/k/a Mr. Joel Martinez) performed original hip-hop routines and served as panel judges for the youth dance competition

More than 1,500 people gathered on March 28, 2009 to cheer on the “B-Boys” and “B-Girls” of Cyprus representing breakdance and hip-hop dance troupes from across the island. The dancers were competing to represent Cyprus in the “Battle of the Year 2009, Balkans” competition in Europe. With co-sponsorship by the U.S. Embassy, American dance artists “Nasty Nate” (a/k/a Mr. Nathan Cano) and “Joel” (a/k/a Mr. Joel Martinez) performed original hip-hop routines and served as panel judges for the youth dance competition.

In addition to the dozens of dancers celebrating the unique hip-hop dance style that originated in the United States and then spread across the world, many talented young audience members seized the opportunity to show off their dance moves before an enthusiastic crowd. The successful program resulted from collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture and support from private sponsors.