Written by Besa Gordon - In high school, I was a proud member of the Seattle-based step team Beta Rose Petals. So, when I heard about the Northside Step Team heading to the West Coast Youth Nationals Step Competition in Vegas, I couldn't wait to share their story with all of you.

With springtime in the Pacific Northwest being a little unpredictable, you have to be ready for all weather types. This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon brings in her stylist, Akia Ronai, for her seasonal fashion tips. This season, Akia is highlighting Crochet/Lace, Animal Print, Burgundy, Sky Blue and Athletic Prep.

Making connections with your audience is rule number one for a host of any show, and it is not always easy. But for Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, building meaningful connections with viewers all over the Pacific Northwest for the last 9 months has been something she has excelled at as viewers across the region enjoy her “round-the-way girl” style and down to Earth personality.

On April 6th, our cameras and host of Back2Besa, Besa Gordon, witnessed the vibrant energy of breakdancing enthusiasts and aficionados filled the WaMu Theatre as Red Bull's esteemed event, Lords of the Floor, took center stage. Guided by the charismatic hosting of Tacoma's own Jo Koy, and graced with a mesmerizing performance by the legendary Common, the evening unfolded into a spectacle of talent and passion.

#LordsOfTheFloor Hip-Hop music and culture were front and center during Lords of the Floor week in Seattle; it wasn’t just about dancing; it was about the art, music, swag, and legacy of hip-hop. Leading up to the day of the main event, there were workshop sessions at The W Hotel with Pete Rock, Battlecat, and Seattle Hip-Hop legends Vitamin D, and Jake One as they offered some game to those up and coming in the industry. 

Last week, Besa Gordon jumped on i5 South and headed to Lacey Washington to meet two of her Back2Besa number one fans, Lanakila Washington and Reggie, at Beau Legs Fish & Chips. Lanakila and Reggie have been watching Back2Besa since the first episode and have continued to e-mail Besa each week about their favorite segments and even suggestions of people, places, and things to cover on the show, one of those recommendations being Beau Legs Fish & Chips.

Red Bull's Lords of the Floor week kicked off with a bang last at Darkalino's and Hometown in Pioneer Square. The welcome mixer set the stage for an electrifying week ahead, encapsulating the essence of hip-hop culture and camaraderie.

Red Bull Lords Of The Floor made its long-awaited return to the Emerald City after over two decades, and our cameras and Besa Gordon was there to witness it all as breaking took over the city of Seattle. It all started a few weeks ago when Graffiti artist Totem2, along with artists Charms, Graves, and Amanda, painted the Westside Wall to announce the arrival of the Lords Of The Floor.

On episode 40 of Back2Besa, we head to Beau Legs Fish & Chips in Lacey to meet fans of the show Lanakila and Reggie, who Besa likes to call her Back2Besa day ones. Plus, we relive what went down at this year’s Red Bull lords of the floor as they touched down in the Emerald City for the first time in over 20 years. We’re reliving the mixers, workshops, preliminary competition, the main event, and Besa will even show you want went down when they had a Lords of the Floor breakdance pop up over at Pike Place Market.

Did you know that the night before Red Bull’s Lords of the Floor main event, there was a preliminary completion at Washington Hall, where almost 100 breaking crews came to battle it out for a shot at competing in the main event?

Not too long ago, the Tacoma Art Museum buzzed with energy as the Griot Party Experience made its triumphant return. This time, the vibrant celebration of culture and creativity found its home within the walls of the museum, marking a shift from its previous spotlight at Langston Hughes in the Central District. The even was produced Logic Amen who orchestrated another unforgettable evening, infusing the atmosphere with pulsating vibes.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Burien, just south of Seattle, is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike. Classic Eats, owned by the passionate Chef Tony Hayes, has not only become a beloved dining spot for Burien residents but also a destination for food enthusiasts across the Seattle metro area. With its carefully curated comfort food menu, steeped in the flavors of Louisiana, Classic Eats offers a dining experience crafted with love and rooted in tradition.

Red Bull’s Lords Of The Floor was a night to remember as they touched down in the Emerald City for the first time in over 20 years. See photos fro the main event below through the lens of Jordan Somers on behalf of Converge Media.

March 30th marked a poignant moment as N The Kutt Dance Studio in Des Moines, WA, closed its doors for the final time. The studio, along with its founder Koach "Giggz" Crosby (who is also the founder of Kutt’ N’ Up dance team), has been an integral part of the greater Puget Sound community for years, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young dancers, including our own Besa Gordon.

In the bustling atmosphere of Climate Pledge Arena, amidst the cheers and excitement of Kraken Pride Night, a special moment unfolded to honor those who uplift and support the LGBTQIA community in Seattle. Among the esteemed honorees were Deaunte Damper of Converge Media and the dedicated team at Lavender Rights Project.

The legendary Massive Monkees kicked off Red Bull's Lords of the Floor with a special performance to set the tone for the competition, and not too long after they opened up the show, their very own Jeromeskee and Twixx hit the floor to battle K-MEL, and Prada-G as Lords Of The Floor came back to Seattle for the first time in over twenty-plus years. For those unfamiliar, Massive Monkees is a renowned breakdancing crew from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1999, the group quickly gained recognition for their exceptional skills, creativity, and contributions to the breakdancing community.

Now, you know I love my crystals, right? Not too long ago, I learned about a Black Women-owned crystal and metaphorical shop in Capital Hill. As often as I’m in the Cap Hill area, I was honestly shocked to learn that it’s been there for three years, and I’m now just learning about it. When I finally stopped by, I was instantly greeted by calm energy, and I felt right at home and even left with some new crystals, candles, incense, bath salts, and more. After taking the items home and reflecting on how good I felt leaving the shop, I just knew I had to feature it on Back2Besa.

Facing The Reign is the story of Jessa Thomas, the inspiring 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County, Washington, who is the reigning Miss Teen Rodeo Washington 2024 and the first African-American state title holder.

It was a day filled with empowerment for our youth at Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar in Seattle as owner Marquita Evans, hosted a group of teenage girls from South Shore who are part of a program with Community Passage Ways, to show them how to make their own smoothies plus show them what it’s really like to own a business.

Our cameras were there last weekend when N The Kutt Dance Studio in Des Moines, WA closed their doors for the last time.. Over the last two decades N The Kutt and it’s founder Koach T have been a staple in the greater Puget Sound community teaching dance to youth including our very own Besa Gordon and giving young people dance opportunities from across the region to around the world.

Photos: Marvin Patterson