Dancers to battle it out at Carnival City
A new generation of dancers is coming forward with a unique dance style all their own.
Over 1 000 of the country’s most talented dancers will convene at Carnival City this week (August 4 to 7) for the 2016 Battle of the Giants All Styles Dance Festival.
Now in its 26th year, this is the first time that the Battle of the Giants will be held at Carnival City.
Traditionally, the competition is held at Sun City.
Last year’s Battle of the Giants was wildly successful – dancers performed in a sold-out SuperBowl, to an audience of over 9 000 people over the course of three days.
“We are really excited to provide the stage for this year’s Battle of the Giants,” said Matthew Cook, Carnival City’s events and entertainment manager.
“We expect capacity crowds at the Big Top Arena and Mardi Gras to watch and support the country’s up-and-coming dancers.”
One of South Africa’s largest and most prestigious all-style dance competitions, Battle of the Giants is an internationally recognised event organised and sanctioned by the South African Dance Teachers Association Stage Branch.
A new generation of dancers is coming forward with a unique dance style all their own.
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Dancers will be judged on a demanding set of criteria, including timing and rhythm, body lines, movement, rhythmic interpretation, footwork and floor craft.
Competitors will showcase their talents in a range of freestyle dance techniques including hip-hop, popping, breakdance, freestyle, ballroom, Latin American, slow dance, show dance, jazz, modern, ballet and disco dance.
The competition also includes a para-dance section where able and disabled dancers join together in a routine to compete in small groups and formations, so they too can go on to compete in a world championship.
Well-known judge, ‘Super Malcolm’, from the UK, is joining the event this year and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.
He will be judging the hip-hop and street dance sections.
The competition is open to dancers ranging from under-nines to over 35s, from beginners to amateur, or rising star level to championship level.
Individual dancers will have the opportunity to compete for titles and prizes in the competition, which is also one of the qualifier events in the World Trial Circuit programme.
Dancers can obtain points in order to be a South Africa representative in the International Dance Organisation (IDO) Championships.
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The Battle of the Achievers competition is one of the special features of this event.
Finalists from the most advanced sections in the 16 years and older age groups in hip-hop and freestyle will battle it out in an effort to win this prestigious title.
The winners in each category will receive a complimentary flight to the IDO World Championship or a package to Umhlanga Rocks.
Hotel packages can also be won.
In the Juvenile and Junior Solo Freestyle Achiever competition, winners will receive holiday packages, trophies and other fantastic prizes.
All dance entry enquiries must be directed to Bev Wood on 083 282 7734 or send an email to bewood@vodamail.co.za
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