July 29

LIVE AND DIRECT FROM RED ROCK RESORT, LAS VEGAS: WORLD HIPHOP DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2010

DAY 1:  AUSTRALIANS ELIMINATED FROM VARSITY DIVISION, CANADA TOP OF THE CHARTS

 Las Vegas is heating up this summer, but the hottest event happened at Red Rock Resort this evening.  Over 100 dance groups flocked the trendy Red Rock over the past two days. The 2010 World Hiphop Dance Championship finally kicked off with 38 dance crews battling it out in the VARSITY DIVISION PRELIMINARIES.  Yes, 38.  Tomorrow, the JUNIOR DIVISION prelims and ADULT DIVISION prelims commence from 1pm and 6pm respectively. 

The heat is driving all tourists mad across Sin City, yet the stunning Red Rock Resort, Spa and Casino seems to be the perfect getaway for all dancers.  It was at the Opening Ceremony that got the Red Rock security on alert as hundreds upon hundreds of street dancers, bboys, freestylers, poppers and lockers cheered and danced their way into the main ballroom.  Hip Hop International CEO Howard Shwartz opened the festivities with a rousing welcoming speech, then each one of the 30+ international delegates introduced their respective crews and got the crowd excited.  Vuvuzelas from the South Africans, ole ole cheers from the Irish, the haka from the New Zealanders, and a "C-A-N-A-D-A what" chant from the Canadians set the amazing vibe this afternoon.  Every country director was invited on stage by host Mooki and AJ.  Australia's captain and country director Marco Selorio was first on the mic to welcome the adoring crowd with an Aussie Aussie Aussie shout, who was soon followed by Brazil and France directors sharing their joy at representing their countries. New Zealand's very own Noelz Paea shared the hiphop movement's influence in turning kids away from drugs and alcohol, while Japanese Emiko Sasaki saluted her 125-strong delegation, by far the biggest contingent of the competition. 

It was a crazy first day for the Australians as well.  First to hand over their national flag, the Australians received their first warning for dancing barefoot on stage during the sound check and practice run.  Five groups arrived on time, while sixth and final group ROYALE Crew was the last group to make their way into Red Rock.  Two crews represented Australia in the Varsity Division, West Sydney's very own BOUYAN and national varsity champions JULIETTES (QLD).  Both crews danced their hearts out, but the inexperience did not help as both crews bowed out of of the preliminaries. 

Only nineteen (19) crews advanced into the VARSITY SEMI-FINALS which will be held on Friday, July 30. 

Click more for VARSITY DIVISION RESULTS.

Only nineteen (19) crews advanced into the VARSITY SEMI-FINALS which will be held on Friday, July 30. 

The following VARSITY GROUPS RESULTS July 28 2010 Wed:

1. Illest Vibe (Canada)

2. Kana Boon (Japan)

3. Phunk (USA)

4. Sorority (NZ)

5. Zero (Japan)

6. Legit Status (RP)

7. Breakthrough (USA)

8. Ghetto Fab (Ireland)

9. Typhoon (Japan)

10. Unleashed (UK)

11. True Definition (USA)

12. Emerge (NZ)

13. Project One (Canada)

14. Spirit Dance (Mexico)

15. Own Risk (Germany)

16. New Beatz (Italy)

17. Magnetic (Germany)

18. Las 8 Supernenas (Spain)

19. Upside (Italy)