Before Ivan “Flipz” Velez was performing around the world, a house fire changed his family's life. He remembers both the fear of that night and the people who helped them afterward.
Flipz joins Jay Hicks to talk about his Puerto Rican roots, the culture of breaking, and the community that grows around a dance floor. He describes movement as a language people can share, the importance of originality, and what it means to pass knowledge to the next dancer.
Recorded ahead of the 2024 Paris Games, the conversation also explores breaking's Olympic debut and the challenge of judging an art form built on personal style. Flipz connects the help his family received after the fire to Footprintz, his own effort to give back and encourage others to leave a mark.
What We Explore
* Puerto Rican culture, music, and growing up around dance
* Breaking as a shared language
* Surviving a childhood house fire
* The community support behind Footprintz
* Originality, technique, and judging breaking
* Anticipating breaking's 2024 Olympic debut
* Passing knowledge and opportunities to others
About Ivan “Flipz” Velez
Ivan “Flipz” Velez is a B-boy, performer, host, and international breaking judge born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. His work spans dance, film, competition, and community initiatives.
The Tragedy Academy
Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.
Hosted by Jay Hicks.
Be cool. Keep learning. 🌳
