NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 12: Logistx of the United States competes against India of the … [+]
“The biggest takeaway for me from the Olympics was a huge realization of how powerful it is to be unique and to be authentically you in that spotlight, or in that moment, and the impact it can make,” Logan “Logistx” Edra of Team USA reflects on her experience competing in the Women’s Breaking event at Paris 2024 .
While Olympic breaking (‘breakdancing’) has concluded its run and will not be returning as a sport in LA 2028, none of that has stopped breakers from continuing to train and test their skills internationally.
One of the last major breaking competitions of 2024 will be the upcoming Red Bull BC One World Final on December 7, to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately for USA fans, Logistx will be competing and is a favorite for the B-girl bracket. I had the opportunity to speak with her about her dance journey, including her time at the Olympics and what’s next.
At 21 years old, Logistx is already a veteran of the game. With dance experience starting from the age of 7, she has accumulated a number of accolades such as winning the 2018 Silverback Open and 2021 Red Bull BC One, as well as high placements at a range of WDSF events that paved her way to the 2024 Olympics.
B-girl Logistx’s Olympic Experience
For Logan, the main takeaway from the Olympics was “realizing how powerful it is to be authentic.” Authenticity is a pillar of breaking and hip hop, and her performance at the Olympics was a master class in bringing your own style and personality to the highest level of the craft.
She likens being on that stage to reaching the ultimate stage in a video game, “The biggest stage I’ve ever battled on with the biggest crowd and the biggest stadium…the Olympics felt like the final, the big grand finale battle.” With that much going on around you, it’s not easy to express and execute at the same time. But, Logistx made it look easy with her fresh toprock and well-rounded combinations, earning her a 10th place finish.
Sights On Red Bull BC One
If the Olympics was the biggest stage for Logistx yet, the 2024 Red Bull BC One World Final could have the toughest roster she’s faced to date. She is looking forward to the challenge, though, “I’m just most excited to battle and face the best. In my opinion, like it’s all the best b-girls of this time.”
Some of the young women that Logistx sees as strong contenders for Rio are Nicka (Lithuania), Syssy (France), and India (Netherlands), who all represented their countries in the Paris Olympics, with Nicka taking home the silver.
Unseen Struggles Of A Pro Breaker
But, behind the victories and the glory are the very real challenges of pursuing a less-understood discipline like breaking. “I think when you pursue what you love to do, regardless of what it is, it brings another layer of difficulty, more layers of difficulty that I think are unseen often,” Logan shares, elaborating, “I would say one of the biggest ones is this feeling, almost like a lack of self-acceptance because of not conforming to a normal career route, especially as a Filipino-American. So I’m constantly faced with ideas about who I am, if they don’t know what I do and the caliber that I’m at.”
Having pursued this path for over 10 years, Logan says she always tries to treat others with the same consideration, because we rarely get to know their internal experience. For herself, much childhood trauma and stress came from being pushed to train at a young age, but she made the most of it, “I tried to use it to my advantage because it’s one of those things where I got to learn things that a lot of people don’t get to learn. And the way I learned it may not have been the healthiest, but what I learned is valuable.”
Healing from this type of trauma takes considerable time and effort. Journaling, therapy, life coaching, and dance are some of the ways Logan works through it. She also founded a group for South Florida dancers focused on “building together, training together, feeling safe,” which is now in its fourth season.
Gratitude For The Important Things
In the midst of her busy life as a dancer—training, teaching, performing, and competing—Logistx keeps her mindset grounded. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I asked what she’s thankful for right now, and she answered, “I’m really thankful for the people in my life…I’ve experienced a lot at a young age. A lot of things with just people I love. And I think like, that means a lot to me. It weighs heavy on my heart. So I’m thankful for the health and happiness of the people I love.”
Logan’s story is an inspiring one, and there’s certainly more to come. The breaking community is teeming with inspiring stories and passionate individuals who deserve the spotlight. But for now, we can cheer them on as they step into bright lights to do what they do best.
A few recent and upcoming competitions to check out: Freestyle Session took place November 15-17, Red Bull BC One World Final is December 7, and Fujifilm Instax Undisputed is January 15 next year.
