Hip-hop dancers go big in Croatia
SUNDOWNER – Mario Gomes Hip-hop Dance Academy brings home the medals from the annual DanceStar World Masters.
The Mario Gomes Hip-hop Dance Academy came back from the DanceStar World Masters , held in Croatia, with two gold, six silver and four bronze medals.
The academy, located at Curro Aurora , and run by Mario Gomes, had about 180 dancers qualify to be part of this competition but only 72 dancers managed to go as the trip was costly. Gomes said 500 South African dancers from studios across the country participated in the event.
He said what sets this competition apart from others is that it includes all the different forms. “From ballet to traditional dances, everything was on the stage,” said Gomes. What made this year’s competition even more special for his academy was one of the dance crews, Precision Crew, which Gomes is part of, made it to the top 20 acts at the DanceStar gala nights.
“No South African hip-hop act has ever made to the top 20 acts, so we were very proud.”
Close to 7 000 people came out to watch this grand display of talent from dancers from all over the world who hoped to make not only their dance studio proud, but also to their country. Gomes said preparing for such a big event was not without its challenges but the dancers managed to give it their best and it showed.
The dancers were in Croatia for 10 days and during their stay they also had dance workshops with international choreographers.
“The whole experience was truly phenomenal. Where else could my dancers have been coached by such talented international dancers,” said Gomes.
The studio now looks to bring in more talented hip-hop dancers who will help showcase the best of country’s dancers.
