Zimmy Pretzel: The Viral Turf Dancer Taking the Bay—and the BET Awards—by Storm
- JB Quinnon
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Zimmy Pretzel: The Viral Turf Dancer Taking the Bay—and the BET Awards—by Storm
When you talk to Zimmy Pretzel, you don’t just meet a dancer—you feel the rhythm of Oakland’s untold history vibrating through every move he makes. His journey isn’t just about technique or going viral—it’s about legacy.
Zimmy laughed when I asked how long he’s been dancing.“My mom said I was dancing in her stomach,” he joked.And honestly, it shows. His energy is effortless, his flow is unique, and his story is rooted in the culture he comes from.
He didn’t start with bone breaking, like some may assume. His early moves were inspired by Chris Brown—back when he was just graduating from middle school. That’s where it all began. Fast forward to 2023, and Zimmy’s all over the internet, making waves in the dance scene and stacking real work.
You might’ve seen him in videos dancing with Bay Area legends like Mistah F.A.B. or Too Short. He’s also hit the stage with Nef the Pharaoh. Each collaboration adds a layer to his presence—not just as a dancer, but as someone who’s walking in rhythm with the region’s music history.
🖤 Understanding Zimmy Is Understanding Oakland
Long before breakdancing hit cardboard in New York, Oakland had its own dance movement—and a rich one at that.
In the 1950s and ’60s, before BART was built, West Oakland’s 7th Street Corridor was alive. Packed with Black-owned businesses, jazz clubs, and Victorian homes, it served as a creative and economic center for the city’s Black population.
During segregation, when Black entertainers were denied access to white venues, Oakland welcomed them.
The result? A wave of music and motion that would define generations. Legends like James Brown came through. People didn’t dance in the streets with boomboxes—they danced in suits, in clubs, in venues where the energy was thick with soul.
Zimmy’s dance is tied to that vibration. His movement is a continuation of a timeline—deeply rooted in place, in people, and in presence. When he performs, he doesn’t just move forward—he moves through history.
🎤 National Spotlight: BET Awards 2025
Zimmy’s breakout performance came at the BET Awards 2025, where he took the stage as part of the Red Bull x TURFinc Dance Your Style Qualifier. Battling the formidable Tae Ninja, he held his own with precision, character, and undeniable crowd connection.
🏀 Jumpman23 at NBA All-Star Weekend
Another milestone came during NBA All-Star Weekend, where Zimmy represented the Bay at the Jumpman23 Fam Fest in Chicago. His turf battle against Angelo drew crowds and cameras—proving he could go toe-to-toe on any stage.
Street Dance with TURFinc (Oakland)A raw and powerful clip showing Zimmy in his natural element—Bay Area concrete, pure turf movement, no gimmicks.[Available on TikTok and IG via @turfinc]
💥 Why Zimmy Stands Out
Zimmy Pretzel isn’t just a talented performer—he’s a connector. His performances build bridges between past and present, youth culture and cultural heritage, mainstream stages and community blocks. He brings character work, storytelling, and energy into every move—whether he's dancing in costume for kids or battling professionals on national TV.
He’s perfect for:
Festivals
Pop culture conventions
Youth assemblies
Brand activations
Viral campaign spots
Birthday parties
📩 Book Zimmy Pretzel
Want Zimmy to electrify your event?
Email: zimmypretzelbookings@gmail.comInstagram: @zimmy_pretzelLocation: Based in Oakland, available nationwide
Zimmy Pretzel is more than a dancer. He’s the rhythm of Oakland reimagined—flipping, gliding, storytelling through movement. Whether upside down in a Spider-Man suit or dancing beside Bay rap legends, he reminds us that real talent comes from the soil.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for press kits, printed flyers, or split into social media carousel slides.
You said:
Find all his videos
ChatGPT said:
Here are all the key videos showcasing Zimmy Pretzel in action:
A full-length turf dance battle filmed at the red-carpet BET Awards qualifier, where Zimmy squared off against Tae Ninja with precision and flair.
Other notable videos:
Zimmy Pretzel turfin 101 – Oakland First Fridays (TURFinc Shorts)
A raw street clip from Oakland’s First Fridays event, capturing Zimmy’s turf dance fundamentals. youtube.com+12 youtube.com+12youtube.com+12youtube.com+1instagram.com+1
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