Dancers dominate world champs
A local dance academy made headlines at the Hip-Hop World Championship.
Out of all the dancers from different countries world wide, Mario Gomes’ dance academy students took home the title of second best Hip-Hop street crew.
At the Hip-Hop World Championship in Italy in October, 61 dancers from the Mario Gomes Dance Academy gave it their all. The Lil Precision and Kahos Crew’s routine came second internationally from their individual categories.
“I did not expect this,” Mario Gomes, founder and teacher at the academy told the News.
“We got at the championship, expecting to place 20th or so. But we actually did quite well.”
Each section, consisting of mega crews, street crews, duets and solos, had about 100 entrants from all over the world, and the competition was tough.
Mario said he could not think of a better way to end the year and is already preparing for the Honors Hip-Hop Championship and the academy auditions for 2016.
The final results were as follows:
• Lil Precision – 2nd place in the small group (street crew) category.
• Precision Crew – 2nd place in the small group category.
•Mikayla Basson – 3rd place for Hip-Hop solo.
• Tokollo Ndebele – 3rd place for Hip-Hop solo.
• Kahos Crew – 5th place for Hip-Hop formation team (mega crew) category.
• Warrick Naude – 6th place for Hip-Hop solo and 5th for Electric Boogie.
• Aiden van der Merwe – 6th place for Electric Boogie.
• Terrence Nkwahtshirema – 7th place for Electric Boogie.
• Sharnae Botha – 7th place for her Hip-Hop solo.
• Delron Davids – 6th place for her Hip-Hop solo.
• Terrence and Khaya Dhladhla – 6th place for their Hi-Hop duet.
• Chris Machel – 8th place for his Hip-Hop solo.
• Nicolas Strous – 8th place for his Electric Boogie solo.
• Hush Crew – 10th place for Hip-Hop formation team.
• Angelique Botha – 10th place for her Hi-Hop solo.
This year, 20 of the 61 dancers were dancing on the academy’s sponsorship programme.
“Each year, we give 20 dancers the opportunity to grow with us,” Mario said.
The programme will aid dancers who, for whatever reason will not be able to fund themselves, show great talent and passion. Auditions for the sponsorship take place on 2, 3 and 4 December for dancers of different ages. Contact Mario on 079 187 7001 for more information about the auditions. Remember to bring a letter of motivation if you want to apply for the sponsorship programme.
Related articles:
• Hip-hopping his way to the top
• Dancers bagged 54 medals at championship
• Video: The kings of the dance floor
