I met Caleb Berry aka Kakashi for the first time just hours before he was slated to dance at one of our cultural collaboration performances. The first conversation we had after introducing ourselves was about the Bible. He said my name reminded him of a verse of hope he’d just read in his morning devotion, Romans 15:13 – one of my most cherished of all. He then expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity of a breaking solo to a live jazz band with whom he’d never performed. I was hyped about it too because I’ve been a lifelong fan of breaking, a dance movement that started not long before I was born and was part of the culture I grew up in. I had watched a few of Caleb’s videos online but seeing him dance in person is an entirely different experience. His moves are captivating, versatile, methodical, storytelling, and gravity-defying. You never know what he’ll do next, which is exciting! Impressively, he does it all with humility, positive energy, and pure joy.

His passion for dancing and discipleship led him to partner with Break Free Ministries. The mission is to be an engaging global outreach and network for the hip-hop community through breaking performance events and gatherings called Family Sessions. Break Free focuses on generational healing, identity, relationships, and purpose. Caleb leads the Break Free Dallas Chapter.

Over the past few months, Caleb’s been recovering from an achilles heel injury that happened surprisingly during one of his teaching sessions. He’s been documenting and sharing his journey along the way. One of the most inspiring stories I saw was a video he posted of himself at a battle dancing from a seated position on the edge of stage, all while donning his medical boot. The whole thing was crazy to watch! He killed and didn’t miss a beat! Despite his current situation, Caleb still hasn’t stopped believing and hoping or encouraging and praying for others. I’m happy to report the boot is off now, and he’s back to dancing, teaching, and traveling!

When Caleb isn’t on the dance floor, he finds joy in breaking bread with people, especially at one of his favored coffee spots. He owns a graphic design company and an apparel brand. He also instructs emerging dancers through breaking classes and events.

Goes to show discipleship is not one-dimensional. I truly believe Caleb’s heart and the mission of Break Free Ministries is much needed in light of hip-hop being one of the most criticized and ridiculed cultures. Sadly, in the religious sector, there is much debate and controversy about whether music and dance within and outside of the church is acceptable or not. I have always felt dancing, just like music, is a wondrous gift. In dance, the body is a fanciful instrument of movement and expression. The ability to convey emotions or ideas through movement is stirring. Similar to a sport, dance is one of the most demanding art forms on the body and mind. Dancers have mental wellness challenges and need encouragement as much as any other profession. That’s why what Caleb and Break Free Ministries do is invaluable. True discipleship involves more than just preaching. It requires sincere care and authentic engagement in the life of another. So when you see Caleb on or off the dance floor, he moves with purpose in every way. Who could’ve imagined Jesus would have a Dancing Disciple?!

Caleb has a different spirit, a different attitude, and he has followed Me still.
Numbers 14:24

David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength.
2 Samuel 6:14 NASB

Follow Caleb Berry on Instagram

Read Caleb’s story and learn more about Break Free Ministries here breakfree2024.com/an-awakening-calebs-story/

All images used courtesy of Caleb Berry

LifeNotes online publication written and edited by Hope N. Jones. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication and distribution prohibited.