Castle Rocks

The anticipation is building. The crowds gather, drawn to the loud music and excited cheering that echoes out onto the street. Four figures stand on the dance floor, beads of sweat glistening in the light. They rock lightly to the beat, eyes locked, like tigers circling; hostile.

Then blow up:  turn, jump, handstand, windmill, lock, pop, feint and headstand. The Castle is Rocked.

Edinburgh's own two-on-two competition rivals the prestigious UK Bboy Championships. Each crew face off for the £500 prize money, two House of Billiam varsity jackets and ultimate respect. Castle Rocks promises an exhilarating melee of breaking crews from the four corners of the globe, big name judges, guest performances from world-class crews and breakdance-related workshops.

Now one of the biggest events of the Fringe line-up (selling out every year since 2007), the event promises to thrill as Scottish defending champions El Diaz and Ma Roc from Psycho Stylez work to keep their title amidst contenders from all over the world.

Overseeing the event is MC Tony Thrills as Edinburgh’s City Nightclub becomes a modern-day Gladiatorial ring of dance. It’s one of the most hyped events in the urban dance world. As Claricia Kruithof of local all-female hip-hop group Jackin’ the Box, explains “it’s good to see the international crews who come over and challenge the home-grown crews”. With two of the invited groups being Scottish and qualifiers being held for anyone wishing to enter, will the crown go to Scotland once more?