This is a story of how 671, a shy 17-year-old Chinese girl became a top breaker, through passion, determination and family support. It is also a story about China’s fast-evolving street dance culture.

#1: Who’s 671 (Liu Qingyi)?

671’s real Chinese name is Liu Qingyi. Her name is pronounced as ‘Six Seven One’ in Mandarine Chinese, hence her nickname 671.

671 is known for her power moves and a high-energy style of breaking. She won two breakdance world championships in 2022. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, 671 won a bronze medal.

#2: Street dance in China

Breakdancing (breaking) is a style of street dance originated by African Americans in New York during the early 1980s. It became an Olympic sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Street dance has become popular in China’s big and small cities. Watch this street battle between breakdancers and Kungfu masters in Shanghai in 2014.

Many street dance studios have been set up for kids to learn street dance and keep fit. Watch this video of a kids’s street dance class.

Street dance has also captivated senior citizens. There are granny and grandpa street dance groups that are open to new concepts and have plenty of time to practice. 

#3: Street Dance of China reality TV show

Street Dance of China is a reality TV show running for six seasons since 2018. The program helped a massive audience become aware of the different styles of street dance.

From season 4, the show began its ‘Battle for Peace’ initiative, inviting dancers from other countries to make the stage international.

#4: Making of 671

671 played guitar and did boxing and Taekwondo as a kid. She was 10 years old when she first saw breaking on the street. It was love at first sight. She immediately found a studio and became the only female pupil in the class. She was never restricted by any gender stereotype. 

Passionate about the sport, 671 practiced day and night. Her hometown Henan is the birthplace of Kungfu so many kids practiced Kungfu from a young age, gaining strong physical strength. 

Her parents gave her unconditional support. Her dad’s most famous quote is ‘My daughter is unique. She likes challenges.’

‘671 has a very determined personality. We support her dream as we saw how much she likes breakdancing.’ said her mom.

Breaking has had a big impact on 671’s personality. When she started, she was a shy girl, and the dance helped her come out of her shell. She was able to make friends through this sport. 

A true love for breaking dance, a very determined personality and unconditional family support contributed to 671’s success. She has found her style and made her mark.