Daily Inspiration: Meet Ian Flaws

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Flaws.

Ian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the founder of Bboy Factory in North Denver. Bboy Factory is Colorado’s original Breakin (breakdance) studio. Since 2012, we have been teaching Breakin as a means to preserve Hip Hop culture and inspire youth to live a healthy/active lifestyle. As an artist, I am a dancer, but I also curate events. Our annual Bboy Factory Anniversary is Colorado’s premiere Breakin event.

We have also worked with Red Bull to organize 3 Red Bull BC One event in Denver. In 2017 and 2018 I was the local producer for the international show Breakin Convention at the Buell Theater in the Denver Center for Performing arts. This past year I produced a photography show called Sonic Shadows at the ILA Gallery with the photographer, Matt McDonald as well as our Bboy Factory 10th Anniversary Ball.

At the studio, I am the head instructor of our Breakin program. Today we have close to 50 youth Breakers. I also write a monthly blog, manage administrative duties, clean the toilets, etc. Outside of the Bboy Factory, I am a husband and father of a 3-year-old boy. My wife and son are my inspiration and motivation to grow and succeed.

In recent years, my wife’s project House Party Denver has been incredible to witness and has completely changed how I think about building a dance community. I am incredibly blessed to have my amazing little family supporting me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenge is growing a large following in a small niche of the dance community in a city that does not have a large dance industry. Breakin is growing, but it is traditionally a counter-culture movement.

Furthermore, since opening my studio there has been a lot of competition from other organizations. My challenge is to always focus on my art and keep coming up with new and innovative ways to present Breakin to the dance community and the general public.

In recent years, balancing work and personal life has also been an obstacle. When you make your passion into your business it can become consuming, but with a wife and kid, I have had to let go and allow others to help more and more at the studio. Letting go and having less control is very difficult.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Art > competition style > moves
Vulnerability > strength
longevity > immediate gratification
Integrity > influence
authenticity > popularity

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bboyfactory.com
• Instagram: @bboyfactory
• Facebook: @thebboyfactory

Image Credits
Matt McDonald and Anna Gunderson