Studies and Dance: "We’re Both Athletes and Artists"

Joel Teodoro danced his way to a win at the Academic B-Boy Championships.

Joel Teodoro; photo credit: Onur Aslan
Joel Teodoro; photo credit: Onur Aslan

We spoke with the 28-year-old Linz native about his studies at the JKU and why he is so passionate about breaking.

How did you get into breaking?
Joel Teodoro: My cousin attended a workshop and by chance, I spontaneously came along and met my crew mate, Elias Buttinger, there. He discovered my talent. After that, I met all of the others in my crew, as well as the current vice state champion, Julian Lackner, and I immediately fell in love with breaking.

What do you find particularly exciting about this sport?
Joel Teodoro: The team spirit, jamming together, and the community. Breaking and hip-hop has helped me to learn more about myself and I’ve learned a lot. I am attracted to the artistic yet athletic aspect of it all; we are athletes who practice an artform.

What is your major at the JKU?
Joel Teodoro: I am currently enrolled in teacher education studies.

How do you like studying at the JKU?
Joel Teodoro: As a dance instructor, I think a teaching degree complements my didactic and educational expertise. The program enables me to do many things, and like any other program, there are ups and downs, but on the whole I enjoy it very much.

Do you have any other hobbies?
Joel Teodoro: I love photography, and in my spare time, I also create videos for my club, ASKÖ Ryoko Dance. Every now and again I read up on tech news to stay on top of the latest developments.

Click here to learn more about the national championships.