They stretched, they slammed and they jumped as hours of practice were put to the test.
More than 240 dancers participated in the Hip Hop Unite New Zealand Schools Championships at the King’s and Queen’s Performing Arts Centre on Saturday.
Dancers ranged from year five to year 13, and organiser Sean Cresswell said the quality of dancing was excellent.
"We continue to see great talent from schools and studios," he said.
"Some contestants came from as far as Palmerston North and Whanganui, which is obviously a huge expense. It shows how much this competition means for them."
Mr Cresswell said judges were looking for the whole skill set.
"It’s not just about choreography, it’s how well you execute the styles," he said.
It was the first time the competition had been held in Dunedin in at least six years, and Mr Cresswell said there was a strong Otago contingent.
"It’s a strong grassroots competition, and with our combining with the Hip Hop Unite brand, there are real international pathways for some of the dancers," he said.
"The competition has a lot to offer, but the best thing about it is the friendliness of the rivalries," Mr Cresswell said.
"Everyone is out there to support each other."
Mr Cresswell said dance groups would have been practising for several months before the event to ensure they got all their moves right on the night.
"It’s pretty physical. We’re lucky there weren’t injuries this year, but every so often you do get one of the dancers rolling their ankles or popping their knees," he said.
"Hours of work goes into those two-minute routines."
Mr Cresswell said there was a broad range of hip-hop styles executed.
"There was a lot of older stuff. Will Smith made a few appearances, surprisingly," he said.
Winners included: Primary/intermediate: Unique (Tahuna Normal Intermediate); Same school secondary: Kare Krew (Whanganui City College); Mega crew cadet: Revolution (St Hilda’s Collegiate); Mega crew junior: The Society (Taranaki Hip Hop Community); Mini crew cadet: Rulaz (Rasa School of Dance); Mini crew junior: Custom made (Queen’s High School); Future champions cadet: Vision (Rasa School of Dance); Future champions junior: Dfynt (Rasa School of Dance); Hip hop unite cadet: Diamond (Rasa School of Dance); Hip hop unite junior: TP Madam (Tansi Productions).
