February 19, 2009

HIP HOP DANCE CHAMPS A FIRST FOR WELLINGTON 

For the first time ever, the road to the Vegas hip hop dance glory begins in Wellington.

Hip Hop Aotearoa New Zealand announced today that the Wellington Regional Hip Hop Dance Championships will be held March 14, at Lower Hutt’s Little Theatre. This is the first regional hip hop dance champs to be held in Wellington, providing a golden opportunity for young people to hit the big time under the glittering lights of Las Vegas, USA.

Registrations for the event close 5pm Friday, February 27, open to all people aged seven years and older, to compete in three divisions: Junior (7-12 years), Varsity (12-18) and Adult (18+). Registration fee is $20 per person.costs can be sent via paypal to speed222@rocketmail.com

Event organiser, Liston Peilua from Hip Hop Aotearoa NZ, said the first-ever staging of the hip hop dance championships in Wellington is a huge boost for the sport in the region.

"In the past there’s been hardly any representation from Wellington crews on the national stage, despite us having some of the most talented hip hop dancers in New Zealand," said Peilua.

"Every time a crew form Wellington wanted to step up to the national stage and have a shot at the World Champs in Las Vegas, they had to go through the Auckland regional championships.

"By inaugurating the regional champs in Wellington, we’re growing the sport in Wellington and giving hundreds of kids a chance to go the whole hog and compete for world glory. Their road to the ‘Olympics’ of hip hop dance starts a lot closer to home."

Wellington has produced many talented hip hop dance crews. Last year, Legacy Dance Crew placed second at the 2008 New Zealand champs before placing sixth at the World Champs held in Las Vegas in October 2008, competing against 1500 dancers from 30 nations.

The catchment area for the Wellington regional championships includes Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Kapiti areas.

Each team must consist of a minimum of five dancers and maximum of eight, and will be required to create an original dance routine no longer than two minutes. A total of nine teams will represent Wellington at the National Hip Hop Dance Championships to be held April 3-4 in Manukau City.

Wellington Regional Hip Hop Dance Championships 2009
March 14
Little Theatre, Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
Tickets $20: for pre-sales email tickets@hhanz.co.nz

To register a dance crew, email hiphopaotearoa@gmail.com

Contact: Liston Peilua, HHANZ director: 021 823 035