AUSTIN, Texas — In the ‘70s and ‘80s, breakdancing was a big part of youth culture in East Austin.
- Local break dancers were like a family
- Jaramillo won awards in the ‘80s
“’79, ’80 were the years when I started break dancing," said Thomas Jaramillo, who is one of what he calls East Austin's "O.G. B-Boys."
“We danced in the streets, we danced at a sports park, we danced at Mr. Gatti’s, we danced by the church, the balconies, the store on the corner, just wherever we could practice and get a battle," said Thomas.
His "b-boy" name was "Ice T," and he danced with the Dominating Mix Breakers crew, or DMX. Their epic breakdance battles often drew crowds.
“Zaragoza Park, we took third place here," said Thomas, holding up a photo of a battle he danced in on August 16, 1984.
Photo of Thomas Jaramillo with a young b-boy (Niki Griswold/Spectrum News)
“Back in the day, when the guys were out doing their thing, it was almost like they were celebrities! And it was exciting, it was an exciting time," said Abbie Jaramillo, Thomas' wife and former "b-girl" known as "Sweet T."
But Thomas says b-boy culture was about more than just dancing.
“It was like a union, unity," said Thomas. "We got together for one accord, just for peace, as a brotherhood, and we found love there. So with break dancing we were just one big family.”
Thomas met his wife Abbie when they were just a b-boy and a g-girl, dancing in their teens.
“It was about unity. And, it’s true. It brought people together," said Abbie.
Though he doesn't dance anymore, Thomas hopes to educate the younger generations of East Austinites on b-boy culture.
“Breakdancing and b-boying is dear to me, it’s like a love that I have. I just want to keep it going, somebody take the torch and keep going with it, and run it and represent it well," said Thomas.
Through Facebook, he connected with the family of 8-year-old Liam Garcia, a pint-sized dancer also known as Bizzy Bonez.
“I’m skinny, and I’m busy," said Liam, laughing.
Thomas describes Liam as a "ball of fire," and says he's perfect to carry on the East Austin b-boy legacy.