Pingyi, China: At just 17, Royal is flipping, spinning and storming her way to the top of China’s breakdancing wave and she’s got her eyes set on gold as she heads to the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, this week.

Known offstage as Guo Pu, Royal exploded onto the scene after sweeping both the youth and adult Asian titles earlier this year. Her rise mirrors China’s fast-growing footprint in breaking, a style that blends athletic footwork, power moves and musical attitude and made its Olympic debut in Paris 2024.

“My grandma didn’t like breaking at first,” Royal said, remembering the dance’s old reputation. “But once I started winning, she stopped worrying,” she added with a grin.

Already a youth world champion, Royal now steps into the global adult arena, ready to battle the world’s top B-girls and B-boys.

“I want to bring that gold home for China and show everyone how cool Chinese breaking has become,” she said.

‘Born to Break’

Royal’s journey started like most kids music classes, dance lessons, and appearances in local stage shows. But everything shifted when coach Li Shilong, known as Mike, spotted her at a performance.

“She had that spark,” Mike said. “You can see when someone has real passion. Royal was born for breaking.”

She has since paused school to train full-time, a move supported by China’s system that offers elite athletes easier university pathways.

Despite her shy personality, Royal says breaking transforms her: “I get nervous before battles, but once I’m onstage, I feel free.”

Her trophy shelf already includes Asian and world titles, plus gold at the World Games, one of breaking’s most respected competitions. She’s also locked in a friendly rivalry with China’s Olympic bronze medallist Liu Qingyi, known as “671”.

China’s youth scene is booming too, the country grabbed five of six medals at the last youth World Championships.

A Fast-Rising Power in Breaking

China’s steep rise in the sport is no accident. According to Mounir Biba, a 13-time world champion and head coach of Team China, the country has turned into one of breaking’s global leaders in just four years.

“There’s talent everywhere here,” he said. “And the government’s support is accelerating everything.”

Since breaking became an official sport in the Olympics, training facilities, competitions and funding have grown rapidly. Parents who once resisted “street dance” are now pushing their kids to try it.

Still, Coach Mike believes Chinese dancers must deepen their understanding of breaking’s roots, which trace back to New York’s 1970s street culture.

“The technical level is incredible,” he said. “But the artistic depth still needs work. Breaking is about creativity and that’s something we must keep cultivating.”

Royal Wants to Inspire the Next Wave

Royal hopes her journey motivates more young girls to step into breaking.

“I want to inspire the next generation of B-girls,” she said. “By sharing the culture, the history, and creating a style that’s truly our own.”