Meet Wang Guanwutong and Qi Yufan, the Chinese breakdancing prodigies who began training as children and set Guinness records for extreme airflare performances

At an age when many children are only beginning to discover their favourite hobbies, Wang Guanwutong and Qi Yufan were already learning to move in ways that demand remarkable control and persistence. The two young dancers from China found breakdancing through their fathers and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Their dedication eventually took them to Guinness World Records, where their names became linked with one of breakdancing’s most demanding moves, the airflare.

For Wang, the journey began after seeing breakdancing on television. For Qi, it started after watching hip-hop reality shows with her dad. Neither knew exactly where the passion would lead, but both continued training and eventually turned something they loved into record-breaking achievements, as per a report by Guinness World Records.

How did Wang and Qi discover breakdancing?

Wang Guanwutong started learning breakdance when he was just four years old, after his father took him to a small dance studio.

The first time he saw the sport on television, the young dancer was immediately drawn to it.

“I saw it for the first time on TV, and after seeing the cool, handsome guys in action, I was immediately hooked!”

His early introduction to breakdancing came through his father, while his first coach, Geng Bin, helped introduce him to the world of dance.

Wang also credits the people around him for helping him reach the level required to set Guinness World Records.

“He has supported me for so many years and gave me a lot of motivation and inspiration. My first coach was Geng Bin who brought me to this colourful world.”

He also recognises the contribution of his friends and family, whose support helped him continue his training.

“Without the quiet efforts of my friends and family, there would be no GWR record title for me today. They are very happy for me and proud of me.”

Qi Yufan discovered breakdancing at four-and-a-half years old. She began in October 2018 after watching hip-hop reality shows with her father and quickly developed a love for the activity.

Her father became an important source of encouragement, even though he was not a dancer himself. When Qi worked on new moves, he would watch videos, learn what she was attempting and seek advice from her breakdancing teacher about training and support, as per Guinness World Records.

What records have the young dancers achieved?

Wang’s achievements include two Guinness World Records titles.

He holds the record for the most consecutive breakdance air flares (male), completing 94, and the record for the most breakdance air flares in one minute, with 55.

For Wang, those certificates have become a particularly important reminder of what he has accomplished.

“I put the GWR certificates in the most prominent position in my home!”

His breakdancing journey has also included television performances. One of his most memorable experiences was dancing with his idol, bouboo, during his final dance on Street Dance of China Season III.

Qi has her own Guinness World Records achievement. Her highlight came when she completed 121 consecutive breakdance air flares, setting the record for the most consecutive breakdance air flares (female).

The attempt took place during the 2021 Guinness World Records Day celebrations, making the achievement especially meaningful to her.

“I’m very happy to hold a Guinness World Records title for doing something I love ��”

An airflare is an advanced breakdancing move in which the dancer places their hands on the floor one after another while their body and legs rotate around them.

What is life like for a young record breaker?

For Qi, the Guinness World Records certificate is more than something to display. She keeps hers in her bedroom and sees it every day.

“I keep my GWR certificate hanging in my bedroom. I look at it every day. It's a reward for me giving my all and it keeps me going. I will also bring copy to the dance studio to let more people see it inspire them to really like dancing and having fun!”

Her family is proud of her achievement, but her mother has also reminded her to stay grounded.

“Everyone is very happy about my world record! However, my mum told me not to get too big headed - this is just a small step in my life, who knows what will come next!”

Wang has also reflected on what the records mean to him.

“It's a pleasure and an honour to get two GWR record titles, and I would like to share with everyone that if you work hard, your dream will come true.”

What advice do Wang and Qi have for beginners?

Both young dancers believe beginners should give themselves time to learn rather than trying to master difficult movements immediately.

Wang recommends starting with basic training and progressing gradually.

“If you are a beginner, please make sure you do your basic training first! Start slowly with a simple action, step by step.”

He stresses that breakdancing requires patience and persistence. Learning does not happen overnight, and developing good habits can eventually help dancers move on to more advanced routines.

Qi encourages other young people to try breakdancing too. Her advice is simple: practise regularly and let music influence the way you dance.

She also sees the activity as something that can be shared with others, encouraging children around her to give it a try.

What do Wang and Qi want to do next?

Neither young dancer is certain that breakdancing will become a full-time career. Qi says she may become a professional breakdancer, but she is not sure yet. Whatever happens, she intends to continue dancing.

“I’m not sure yet if I’ll be a professional breakdancer when I grow up. Maybe I will. But whatever happens, I will keep dancing.”

Wang similarly sees his future as open. Breakdancing has already become an important part of his life, and he hopes to introduce more people to it.

“I’m not sure whether breakdance will be my full-time career - the future is long and unpredictable!”

He is already teaching simple movements to people around him and sharing what they might gain from learning breakdance.

His ambitions also extend beyond dancing. Wang says he would like to challenge the physical limitations of other sports and perhaps pursue more records.

For two young dancers who began training as children, their Guinness World Records are already significant milestones. But their own words suggest that the records are not where the journey ends. For Wang and Qi, the bigger goal is to keep dancing, keep learning and encourage others to discover the same passion.

FAQs

How many airflares did Wang complete?
Wang completed 94 consecutive airflares and 55 airflares in one minute.

How many consecutive airflares did Qi perform?
Qi completed 121 consecutive breakdance airflares, setting the female record.