A Day in the Life of a 12-Year-Old B-Boy Star

April 24, 2014

Back in November, we met seven incredible b-girls—all under the age of 16—who are straight beasting the hip-hop scene. (And we put one of them—the beautiful Simrin Player aka “Simi”—on our cover!)


(L to R) L-Pop, Em, Simi, T.Knight and JJ pose for their “Little Girls in a B-Girl World” shoot (photos by Erin Baiano)

Then, in January, we caught up with the tiny B-Girl Terra (age 6 at the time). This tyke competed against dancers twice her age at the Chelles Battle Pro in Paris in 2013! #headspinsfordays

With all these young feminine freestylin’ phenoms, we find ourselves asking: “Where them (b-)boys at?!”


Jalen Testerman (Photo by Tony Kelly)

Cue 12-year-old Jalen Testerman. This prodigy began dancing at the ripe young age of 5, after watching Dave Scott’s You’ve Got Served. Shortly after, he began an intensive training regiment with his devoted dad (and full-time coach). And man, has this kid been successful: He’s appeared on TV shows like “Ellen,” “Oprah,” “Maury,” “Dance Moms” and “Shake It Up” and in movies like Step Up 3D and Jack and Jill. He’s competed in countless break-dancing competitions, and he’s been featured in several commercials. Oh, and he danced alongside J-Biebs. That’s an impressive resumé for an adult…never mind a preteen!

Last week, ABC’s “Nightline News” devoted an entire segment to Jalen: “Born to Dance: The Breakdancing Kid.” The news team shadowed him for three days as he prepared for the Sweet Sixteen battle in Seattle, WA. Check it out!

Spoiler alert: Jalen makes a mean PB&J, and his family is the most adorable.

Bonus: Want to learn more about battling? Check out this advice from the pros, including Dave Scott himself!