Lino "Leanski" Delgado is a pioneer of Hip Hop culture with over 40 years of experience as a dancer, educator, DJ, and community organizer. Born in Brentwood, Long Island to a Dominican mother and Puerto Rican father, Lino grew up surrounded by music before he could walk. Raised in Boston's Roxbury/Dorchester neighborhoods, he found in dance a way through, and eventually a way to lead others through, the gang activity, drugs, and violence of his youth.
In 1981, Lino co-founded the legendary Floorlords dance crew, which would go on to become Boston's longest-standing B-boy/B-girl crew and a defining force in breaking throughout the Northeast. Over four decades, he transformed a passion for breaking into a vehicle for social change, developing a mentorship approach that has kept thousands of youth off the streets and focused on the arts.
From performing in the cult classic film Krush Groove (1985) to serving as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador for the State Department's Next Level program, teaching Hip Hop as a tool for conflict resolution and cultural exchange in countries around the world, Lino has bridged the gap between the streets and the global stage.
Now based in Honolulu, Lino continues his mission of peace, love, and unity through the Endless Styles Festival and his educational work with the Honolulu Museum of Art.
What I Do
Dance Instructor (1983–Present)
Teaching Hip Hop workshops and master classes at all levels, internationally. Forty years in high schools, elementary schools, youth centers, and academies.
Dance Judge (1998–Present)
Judge for international Hip Hop dance competitions across England, Switzerland, Japan, China, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Consultant & Event Producer (1986–Present)
Forty years organizing performing-arts events, programs, schools, and fundraisers for schools and businesses.
DJ (1983–Present)
DJ and MC for fundraisers, corporate events, private parties, festivals, theater, and clubs, with four decades of musical range.
U.S. Cultural Diplomacy · Next Level
Selected by the U.S. State Department and UNC Chapel Hill to teach Hip Hop as cultural exchange and conflict resolution, including engagements in China.
Soundshop · Honolulu Museum of Art
Performing arts and Hip Hop teaching artist with Soundshop for about eight years, sharing DJing, breaking, Hip Hop history, creativity, and culture with students in Honolulu.
UDEF & Pro Breaking Tour · Co-Founder
Co-founder of UDEF, the Urban Dance & Educational Foundation, and the Pro Breaking Tour, helping create opportunities, competition platforms, and visibility for breaking culture.
The Floorlords Legacy (1981–Present)
Co-Founder & President. Established in 1981, the Floorlords are Boston's longest-standing B-boy/B-girl crew, playing a pivotal role in defining the art of breaking in the Northeast.
Film & Television
Krush Groove (1985) · Hawaii Five-0 · Chronicle · Regis & Kathie Lee · The Phil Donahue Show
Shared the Stage With
Run-DMC, Madonna, New Edition, Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Daddy Yankee, The Beastie Boys, Missy Elliott, LL Cool J, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin, and more.
Official Honors
- Massachusetts Governor's Citation, 40th Anniversary Recognition (2021)
- "Floor Lords Day", City of Boston Proclamation (Aug 6, 2021)
- 2006 "Out For Fame" USA National Breaking Dance Champions
- Massachusetts Industry Committee "Team of the Year" (2006, 2007)
Community Impact & Activism
The Floorlords Movement (2003–2015): Founded a nonprofit out of Boston's historic Strand Theatre. Led the "Street Soldiers" initiative, uniting eight rival Cape Verdean gangs for a historic community truce. Produced annual Hip Hop Peace Festivals at Boston City Hall Plaza.
Boston City Lights (1986–2001): Co-founded this nonprofit performing-arts center, renovating an abandoned building into a free education and performance space for inner-city youth.
Boston Community Centers (2001–2011): Secured funding for after-school arts programs for children ages 6–18 across a dozen Boston community centers.
Current Projects
UDEF / Pro Breaking Tour, Co-Founder. Co-founded the Urban Dance & Educational Foundation and the Pro Breaking Tour, creating competitive opportunities and a larger platform for breaking culture.
Endless Styles Festival, Founder & Executive Producer. A premier multi-day celebration of urban dance, music, and cultural exchange in Waikīkī, Honolulu. Features the "Last Man Standing" international battle, workshops, and panels.
Soundshop, Honolulu Museum of Art. Performing arts and Hip Hop teaching artist for about eight years, teaching DJing, breaking, Hip Hop history, creativity, and culture to students in Honolulu.
Creative Portfolio
Fashion: Saucony x Floorlords, collaborator on an official "Floorlords" sneaker colorway with Saucony Originals.
Theater: "Floorlore", writer, director, and choreographer of a theatrical production tracing Hip Hop history through dance, acting, and music.
Awards & Recognition
- 2024, Inducted into the Berklee School of Music Hip Hop Hall of Fame
- 2023, The Bronx Proclamation of Achievement
- 2021, Massachusetts Governor's Citation, 40th Anniversary of the Floorlords
- 2021, City of Boston "Floor Lords Day" Proclamation
- 2020/2021, Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund, Federal Grant
- 2006, Massachusetts Industry Committee Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2005, New England Foundation for the Arts Grant
Sponsorships: Saucony Originals, Eastpak, Reebok, Puma, New Balance, Converse, Pro-Keds, Tribal Gear
Community Service
Charity performances (1981–Present): Christmas in the City, Ronald McDonald House, AIDS Dance-A-Thon, Shriners Burn Institute, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital, Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday, and more. Volunteer DJ for community and environmental causes.