Photographer: Lam Lai (IG: @nowyouseemynyc )
2nd Dancer: Nicholas ‘Luffy’ Royal
Art in background : Edwin Ahedo (DM for inquiries)

At 7, Kao Cheng Kai (高承楷) took his first steps into the world of dance, still unaware of the incredible journey ahead. Originally from Taiwan, Kai is now a dedicated dancer specializing in the energetic style of Krump, and he currently resides in the bustling city of New York.

Kai's dance career kicked off when he formed a dance group called "Stooper V" in Taiwan. In the summer of 2009, they made a significant impact by winning major dance competitions, including second place in the Taipei Dance Delight and first place in the Puma Cup and Metro Street Dance contests.

However, in 2010, after finishing in fourth place in a national choreography contest, the group disbanded. Kai decided to shift his focus to teaching and learning new dance styles. By 2011, he had stopped creating choreography, and it seemed like his dancing days in Taiwan were coming to an end.

But his passion for dance was reignited when Kai moved to New York. Despite initially having few friends in the local dance community, he persisted in participating in freestyle battle events. In 2019, Kai attended a Krump session at EXPG, where his dedication caught the eye of Luffy. He was invited to join the Luffy Family and currently holds the rank of Kid Luffy, a recognition of his skills in Krump battles.

Kai has gained recognition through one-on-one freestyle battles, marking his journey from a young dancer in Taiwan to an accomplished Krump artist in the heart of New York City. His story showcases his unwavering commitment to the world of dance.

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