Preliminary dance-offs prior to the 2010 hip hop dance crew championships will take place on 23 January 2010 at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford.
There are three categories which hip hop dance crews can enter themselves into – Junior (8-13 years), Varsity (13-18 years) and Adult (18+ years). Crews can now register on the Battle of the Shires website or by calling 07973 498 251 or emailing dancenuvo@me.com. Solo battles will take place for entrants in four categories – popping, locking, freestyle and bboy. Those hoping to take part in these one-on-one battles can also register on the website, and the battles will take place between 1-3pm on the day. The prelims will run throughout the day – with finals (crew qualifications and final solo battles) and a spectating show taking place between 6-9.30pm (this year there will also be an after party!).
Those crews and solo hip hop artists whowin first and second place will automatically go through to the final of the UK Hip hop championships in London, and first place crew will be ranked best Hip hop crew in the West Midlands – quite an accolade! Those who come in third will also go to London – but will need to pass the preliminary round there to gain a place in the final.
Last year hip hop crew Smash Bro’z won first place in the Midlands round and still hold the title of best hip hop crew in the region. They went on to come in third place in the UK championships, qualifying for the World hip hop championships after the London round – but could not secure enough money to travel to the finals in Las Vegas. This year those who qualify in the UK round will go to Los Angeles.
Another West Midlands team DNA won the Midlands round in the varsity category, going on to come in third in the UK championships. They did manage to go to Las Vegas and we hope to get the low-down on their trip here on West Midlands Dance.
