Two weeks ago, one of the most prestigious dance competitions took place in Las Vegas, Nev., at the Red Rock Resort and Casino and the Orleans Areana. Hip Hop International, founded by the originators of America’s Best Dance Crew and often refered to as the “Olympics of Dance”, is a week long hip-hop dance competetion with 2,500 street dancers coming from 43 nations. Hip Hop International (HHI) is split into 5 divisions which consists of Megacrew, Adult, Varsity, Junior, and Freestyle Battles. Some of the most well known crews that competed and exhibited are Elektrolytes, recent winner of ABDC Season 7, Les Twins, and the legendary Jabbawockeez.
HHI is not only a dance competition, but a platform to show audiences that dancing can be a lifestyle and an art. It has attracted an audience of more than 6,000 (hiphopinternational.com) and has positively influnced the dance scene. It’s message of “uniting the world of hip-hop” has even caught the names of big brand name companies and has been sponsered by them, most notable being Paul Mitchell and Vlado Footwear.
“HHI is a really big step for dance because it attracts audiences who don’t know much about dance, and lets them know that dance is a passion shared by a lot of us,” says Shohei Sakamoto , a sophomore in college and a dancer for 909 HipHop Dance Troupe. “It really brings dancing into a new light.”
Another feature of HHI is the presentation of the Living Legend of Hip Hop Award.
“Each year, Hip Hop International presents its Living Legend of Hip Hop Award to influential individuals for their indelible contributions to hip hop and street dance culture. Past recipients include Randy Jackson, MC Hammer, DJ Kool Herc, Boogaloo Sam, Tommy the Clown,Don “Campbellock” Campbell, Toni Basil and Grandmaster Caz” says HHI President Howard Schwartz.
This year, the prestigious award was delivered to the Jabbawockeez who are renown for being the original winner of America’s Best Dance Crew and the only dance crew to have a headlining show in Las Vegas.
