News Summary
Charleston is set to celebrate hip-hop culture with the Elements Volume 4 festival, featuring a breakdancing competition and vibrant pre-party events. The main event includes a 2-on-2 breaking contest with significant cash prizes, alongside an all-styles competition. The event’s promotion is supported by The Pro Breaking Tour, highlighting the crew’s 15 years of international recognition. The festival comes amid the expansion of Charleston International Airport, aimed at enhancing economic growth and community connectivity. This fusion of culture and infrastructure showcases Charleston’s commitment to artistic expression and development.
Charleston’s Dancing on Air Crew Hosts Hip-Hop Festival and Breakdancing Competition Amid Airport Expansion Plans
Charleston will turn up the heat with a vibrant celebration of hip-hop culture on July 19, 2025, as Dancing on Air (D.O.A.), the only official breaking crew in South Carolina, hosts the Elements Volume 4 festival at Lo-Fi Brewing. The festival will feature a high-stakes breakdancing competition with significant cash prizes and unique opportunities for breakdancers.
Key Event Details
The main event will include a 2-on-2 breaking contest offering a $1,000 cash prize and an invitation to perform at Switzerland’s Soul Cypher Swiss contest. Additionally, a 1-on-1 all-styles competition with a $500 cash prize will also take center stage. Competitor entry tickets are set at $30, while spectators can join in for $25; children under 12 can attend free of charge.
On the eve of the festival, a pre-party sponsored by Deep Crates will take place at The Purple Buffalo, featuring live DJs and a 2-on-2 breaking contest with a separate $1,000 cash prize for participants, setting the stage for an energetic kickoff to the weekend.
Event Promotion and Support
The events are being promoted by The Pro Breaking Tour, an organization dedicated to advancing professional breaking competitions. This careful promotion serves to enhance the visibility of breaking and foster a greater appreciation for hip-hop culture within the community.
A Rich History in Breakdancing
Dancing on Air was founded by Cody Soles and Devante Powell, who gained inspiration from the film “Step Up 2”. The crew has been competing internationally for 15 years and has gained recognition for their skills. The founders, along with other crew members, have fond memories of performing at various local venues, including the now-closed roller rink Music in Motion in North Charleston, where many initiated their journey into the world of breakdancing.
Recent years have seen an increase in both participation and audience interest, as more individuals are drawn to the art form, solidifying its place as a vital aspect of Charleston’s cultural identity.
Airport Expansion and Economic Growth
As Charleston embraces cultural events like the Elements Volume 4 festival, it also faces significant infrastructure developments. Charleston International Airport is undergoing an expansion to handle 8-10 million passengers annually, backed by a $100 million investment aimed at adding four new gates and enhancing airport services. This initiative is part of a broader $1 billion master plan focused on economic development and improving community connectivity.
Last year, the airport served over 6.2 million passengers, marking a remarkable 77% growth over the past decade. With the impending airport renovations, state and airport leaders stress the importance of fostering growth while preserving the airport’s community-oriented feel.
Future Plans and Timeline
The anticipated West Gate expansion is projected to be operational by December 2026. Furthermore, plans for a new parking garage accommodating 5,000 vehicles are underway, with a portion of the initial phase to be completed by April 2026, providing 1,500 spaces to ease travel for passengers.
As Charleston balances its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community events like the Elements Volume 4 festival with ambitious infrastructure projects, it is poised to facilitate a promising future for both local artists and the broader region. The upcoming hip-hop festival not only highlights the local breakdancing scene but also embodies the spirit of Charleston—a city embracing growth while cherishing its roots in community and culture.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston International Airport Expansion
- Post and Courier: Charleston Airport Expansion Plans
- Count on 2: Groundbreaking at Charleston Airport
- Live 5 News: Video of Airport Expansion
- Post and Courier: Charleston’s Breakdancing Crew
- Wikipedia: Hip-hop Culture
- Google Search: Charleston International Airport Expansion
- Google Scholar: Charleston Airport Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hip-hop
- Google News: Charleston Events
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
