LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The Zoologic Empire Training Camp was founded by B-Boys Eric Salazar, Justin Buenaventura, and Steve Corral out of their passion for breaking and the desire to pass on the skills and lifestyle to future generations. The moniker originates from the squad they've been a member of since the late '90s, Knucklehead Zoo, and now they are poised to tackle one of the largest stages in the world, 'America's Got Talent'.
After a week off for the Fourth of July, 'AGT' Season 18 returns for its next episode on Tuesday, July 11. Season 18 premiered on May 30, and included celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara, as well as host Terry Crews. The next episode will air at 8 pm ET and will include further auditions. The tryouts continue, with hopefuls of all ages auditioning for the opportunity to win the $1 million prize. The golden buzzer gives a lucky performer the opportunity to compete for America's vote in the live broadcasts.
Who are The Zoo?
The youngsters at Zoologic Breaking Training Camp range in age from 6 to 15, and they all look exhausted but delighted after two hours of training. Each weekday, the class size varies; sometimes there are grownups, other times there is a B-Girl or two, but there is always someone eager to practice.
The group's primary facility is in a no-frills gym situated between a 99-cent store and a Chicago-style pizza business in a Green Valley strip mall, but they also offer courses at several other studios across the valley. Eric co-owns Zoologic Empire with Steve and Justin from Knucklehead Zoo.
Eric founded Zoologic in 2012 as a means to give back to a community from which he felt he was receiving too much. Giving back through teaching ensures the culture's survival, since enthusiasm and skills may be passed on. Steve recalls why he thought Zoologic was necessary. Justin had similar motivations, but his reason for joining was the lack of teachers when he was growing up as a B-Boy.
Teaching breakdancing, or B-Boying in a formal capacity is a new concept brought by the generation represented by Justin, Steve, and Eric. They had no professional training growing up, and this is only one of the advantages that the younger generations enjoy. B-Boys and B-Girls now have access to footage that older breakers could only dream of, thanks to their proliferation and reliance on the Internet.
Each of Zoologic's teachers, like hip-hop's interesting history, has a legendary past that connects them with breaking and the community that surrounds it. Each of them learned it when they were 12 or 13 years old, significantly older than some of the students they currently teach.
The Zoo on 'AGT'
Back in April, The Zoo shared the news of being on 'AGT' for the first time on their official social media account. In the post, they thanked America. Later, they shared some behind-the-scenes pictures from the time of the audition. Fans can expect to witness quite a show from the crew, which comprises members from several different age groups.
Tune into NBC on July 11 at 8 pm ET to catch The Zoo in action as they make their debut on 'Americas's Got Talent'.