While I have one eye on Rio, I am multitasking my other eye, live streaming an international hip hop competition.
Yes, Rio 2016 is here and I, among the many, am spending the next few weeks obsessing over superhuman strength and abilities. Abilities that basically remind me that my summer body is far too late. On another spectrum, is the incomprehensible ability of mixing athleticism and intense hip hop choreography.
Hip Hop International gathers thousands of dancers from the around the world for a week long competition in a number of divisions. Before the international competition takes over Las Vegas, however, one final national competition takes place for the USA crews. The USA Championships are separated by age divisions and a megacrew category. The top 6 of each category move on to the World Championships to fight for 1st place in their divisions. It is considered one of the most highly regarded and respected competitions in the world.
Crowd favorite, Royal Family competing in last years competition
HHI is responsible for launching the careers of many veteran competitors. One of its success stories is Parris Goebel of Royal Family, who starred in and directed the colorfully fashion-savvy video for Justin Bieber's "Sorry," and also directed all of his artful dance videos for Purpose. They are also noted for bringing you the successful America's Best Dance Crew on MTV. Throughout the year, HHI hosts competitions all over the world for dance crews to compete for a chance to out-dance other nations on one stage. Each country brings their best crews and is visibly represented in their own march of nations at the opening of the World Hip Hop Championship ceremonies. Yes, these are indeed the Olympics of hip hop.
I love following dancers and their first hand accounts of the performances they witness and they always turn into next level, outrageous, and overall insane testimonies...
Others are feeling inspired...
Throughout the week dancers also have the ability to participate in workshops, taking classes with a variety of renowned hip hop instructors. Other events include the World Battles in the categories of popping, locking, and breaking. Currently this multifaceted event is taking place in Las Vegas and tickets are available for the World Championship Finals (sponsored by Paul Mitchell). For more details visit their website and catch the live stream this weekend and root for your country! http://www.hiphopinternational.com/
I know there is no such thing as being "over the Olympics" cause Rio 2016 is what we all needed to see some unity in the world. You may not be ready for this level of global representation, but prepare for awesomeness. Check out this recap of last year's event:
Photos and video courtesy of: Hip Hop International
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