Part of the Dancing in Jersey Spotlight Q&A series.
Welcome to the second edition of Dancing in Jersey's new Q&A series, Spotlight Q&A. In this series, founder Hayley delves into the stories and passions behind Jersey's vibrant dance community.
The series continues with a conversation with Scott Mills, founder of Total Mayhem Junior Breakdance Club Jersey, who discusses his journey of bringing breakdancing to Jersey. Starting out in Nottingham, Mills introduced breakdance to local schools upon returning to Jersey, cultivating a now-thriving underground scene. He shares insights on teaching students of all ages, the unique floorwork and resilience required in breakdancing, and his hopes to keep inspiring young dancers. Mills also reflects on breakdancing’s Olympic debut and the enduring community values in hip-hop culture.
Dancing in Jersey (DiJ): What inspired you to start the Total Mayhem Junior Breakdance Club in Jersey?
Scott Mills (SM): After returning from Nottingham (where I started breakin’), I couldn't find any other Bboys or Bgirls on the Island. So, I continued to practice and learn new moves, before offering workshops at schools around the Island. From there, I stumbled on the idea of offering the kids who had the right attitude and determination to come to the crew lessons to really progress and engage their passion for breakdance.
DiJ: How has the breakdance scene in Jersey evolved since you first started?
SM: The scene has changed a lot since I came back in 2010, and to date I have now taught in every primary & secondary school, offering taster sessions and workshops over the years. Therefore, I suppose I have helped to expose breakdance and hip hop movement to the Island, which was very thin when I arrived, but now thriving underground with graffiti, and MCs now working around the island.
DiJ: What age groups do you cater to, and how do you adapt your teaching methods to different age levels?
SM: From age 3 and upwards. The teaching methods for breakin’ don’t really change whether your 3 or 49 like I am now. The fundamentals and progressive moves do not really care about how old you are - they are what they are.
DiJ: How do you keep the routines fresh and engaging for your students?
SM: We don't really have "routines" within breakdancing. We have runs, which are a combination of moves put together, but never a whole routine as such.
DiJ: What are the key skills or values you aim to instill in your students?
SM: The right attitude, self-discipline, and resilience.
DiJ: What are some of the biggest challenges young dancers face when learning breakdancing?
SM: When they realise how hard and challenging it is, and how much practice you have to put in to achieve the moves.
DiJ: What do you think sets breakdancing apart from other forms of dance?
SM: Floorwork sets us apart from all other dance; no other form goes to the floor like Bboys and Bgirls. Plus breakdance isn't just a dance, it's a warrior dance.
DiJ: How do you feel about breakdancing being included as an Olympic sport?
SM: It should not have been in the Olympics. End of. That's what happens when a committee organises something from a desk. We have our own competitions around the world. And the Bboys and Bgirls there certainly weren't the top ones – just like the football in Olympics, they weren't the best ones. Only on a personal level, as competition over here is non-existent. However, we did go to Guernsey to jam and battle with a crew over there, which was all about the sharing and coming together under the hip hop umbrella.
DiJ: What are your goals for Total Mayhem Junior Breakdance Club in the coming years?
SM: To last as long as I can to teach kids who want to learn.
DiJ: Are there any upcoming events or performances that you're particularly excited about?
SM: We have had some great performances over the years at local festivals and events: from the Spice Arts & Music Festival, Groove de Lecq, and Peas & Glove to the St. Helier Town Fete. So, let's see what comes up for next year!
DiJ: What advice would you give to young aspiring breakdancers?
SM: It's a long, long journey, but it all depends on the individual participant. As Bruce Lee once said: “You may battle others, but the biggest battle you will ever face is against yourself."
