DANZ QUARTERLY - No 8 July, August, September 2007

Reviews

Final Night of New Zealand Hip Hop Championships
Telstra Clear Park Event Centre, Manukau, 14 April 2007
Reviewed by Sue Cheesman

I arrived at a very crowded theatre buzzing in anticipation of the night’s final competitions, to see which groups would win the right to be eligible to compete in the World Hip Hop Championships. The event was run by the newly formed Street Dance New Zealand. Crews performed a two minute routine in one of three divisions Junior, Varsity or Adults.  The five judges were charged with looking at a number of aspects including the variety of styles, choreography, original moves and engaging with the music.

Each crew had particular elements that stood out such as aerial work, choreography, floor work, smooth transitions between sections, costumes, awesome attitude and style. Much attention had been paid by all groups to strong beginnings and endings.

The DJ was extremely good at keeping the momentum of the show going. He worked the audience well, involving them in dance-offs while the judges deliberated between categories. In between the sets, audience members were on their feet battling each other, torsos and arms moving at break neck speed, krumping full on, much to our entertainment and delight.

Second placing in each division went to Encore, Request and TMC, each with their own individual flare.

Fusion XS (winners of the Junior division) routine was slickly performed and the dance featured a number of flips and aerial work. An unusual start on the floor for Fearless the winners of the Varsity division caught my eye. Their routine featured seamless transitions between sections, impressive slides and big arm movements in unison.

DZIAH, winners of the adult division, produced an exciting routine jammed with different styles, tricks and supports making for interesting choreography. I particularly liked the layering with many things going on at once. These boys from Otara have a great sense of humor and have done much to support the development of Hip Hop in Otara, South Auckland and New Zealand.

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