BabyV, Born to Battle: Perth’s Rising Star Shaping the Future of Australian Breaking
At just 15 years old, Vivica Storm, known to fans and competitors alike as B-girl BabyV, has already carved out a name for herself in the international Breaking scene. Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, she grew up immersed in a world where rhythm, movement, and creativity were part of everyday life. Her parents, both seasoned breakers, along with a circle of uncles and mentors, created an environment where dance was more than a hobby, but a way of life.
“I first connected with Breaking a long time ago,” Vivica recalls. “I was basically born into the scene, seeing my mum and dad dance, and all my uncles in my dad’s crew, Systematic Crew. I remember hearing the music and feeling something inside me that just made me want to move. I’ve been connected to Breaking ever since I can remember.”
Her journey truly began at six, during her first junior state championship. Placing second ignited a passion that would drive her forward: “Just the feeling of training so hard and coming so close to winning gave me the drive to try again and again until I started winning. I feel like I became addicted to that feeling, of training hard, battling, and chasing results.”
Carrying a Legacy
BabyV’s name itself is a testament to the lineage she carries. Inspired by her mother’s Breaking name, Lady V, Vivica adopted “BabyV” as a young child, stepping into the competitive world with a connection to her roots. “To carry the name from my mum to little 5-year-old me, all the way to the big WDSF international stage, is just crazy to me. It’s special because I know it inspires other B-girls, and that is really important for me.”
Growing up in a family that celebrated creativity, performance, and expression shaped not only her technique, but her approach to the art itself. “Being immersed in this way helped shape me as my own dancer,” she explains. “It makes me comfortable to express myself and has taught me how to be my true self. I’m always being pushed to be the best version of myself and to do what I love.”
Guided by Family, Fueled by Passion
Family support has been central to BabyV’s development. Her father, serving as coach and mentor, has been instrumental in guiding her through the highs and lows of competition. “Without my family, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. My dad has really shaped and moulded me into the breaker I am. I don’t know what I would do without him,” she says.
The impact of that support was felt profoundly at the World Breaking DanceSport Festival in Brisbane. Performing on home soil was a mix of pride, pressure, and overwhelming joy. “Words can’t even express what it meant. I wanted to show the world what Australian B-Girls are capable of, and inspire others. After the competition, seeing the messages from other bgirls, breakers, and the community, that’s when I knew I had done exactly what I wanted to do.”
“I wanted to show the world what Australian B-Girls are capable of”
Several moments from the festival left an indelible mark. Becoming the first Australian B-girl to make it into the top 16 1v1 adult division brought tears to her father’s eyes, a memory she treasures above all. “That made me happier than I already was because I knew something special had happened,” she says. Another highlight came after a 3v3 battle, when the MC called out “Australia” and she stood with her teammates from opposite sides of the country, united in the true Aussie battler spirit. “It was surreal. That moment will be one of my favourite memories of my whole career.”
Balancing Art and Athletics
BabyV approaches Breaking as both sport and art, blending athletic rigor with creative expression. Her training includes strength and conditioning, circuit work, and execution drills, while artistic exploration spans ballet, lyrical, acro, and contemporary dance. “I use these styles to bring out my own flair and personality,” she says. “It’s helped shape my Breaking in a unique way.”
Her philosophy extends beyond physical performance. Competing internationally as a young Australian B-Girl comes with challenges, but also opportunities to inspire others. “I’d tell aspiring breakers to follow your heart, do what makes you happy, and ignore negativity. Being a girl in a predominantly boys’ sport can be scary, but it’s also unique, and that’s a good thing. Be yourself, train hard, and have fun.”
“Do what makes you happy, and ignore negativity. Being a girl in a predominantly boys’ sport can be scary, but it’s also unique”
Eyes on the Future
With the possibility of Breaking being included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, BabyV’s ambitions are both personal and communal. “Representing my country on home soil would give me the platform to show what can be achieved with hard work. It would be a pinnacle in my career, help Breaking reach a wider audience, and inspire new dancers to experience this beautiful art.”
Reflecting on her journey so far, she feels gratitude and pride not only for her achievements, but for the impact she has on her community. “I want to be remembered as the young Australian B-girl who was courageous, who stayed true to herself, and represented her country to the fullest.”
Shawn Tay, WDSF President, reflects on BabyV’s role in shaping the future of Australian Breaking:
"BabyV’s achievements in Brisbane show what is possible when talent, heart, and culture come together. She carries her family’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of Australian B-Girls and B-Boys, the very same young athletes who may one day compete on home soil at Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. Her journey reminds us that the future of Breaking is built today, step by step, battle by battle."
BabyV’s story is one of heritage, passion, and relentless drive. From a home filled with music and movement in Perth to the global stage, she embodies the next generation of dancers who blend creativity with athleticism, carrying the spirit of Breaking forward, and lighting the path for those who follow.
You can follow BabyV and her family, the Lavers, on Instagram.
Photos of the 2026 WDSF World Breaking DanceSport Festival by Johnny Chaing
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