SOLOMON Islands dance representatives for the World Supremacy Battleground (WSB) in Sydney, Australia left on Tuesday ahead of the competition which is set to happen, this weekend.
The two winning dance crews were being farewelled at the Henderson airport by family members, friends, and a handful of fans.
KUZZENZ and MILK SHAKE were our only representatives for the international dance competition after TIA DROPZ were dropped from the reps list after efforts to finalise their visa applications were turned down last Friday – a last minute regret.
It was a super exciting atmosphere for the youth dancers at the terminal before their departure, as this will be the first time for some of them to travel overseas not for leisure but to represent the country in the WSB.
WSB was rated as the number one street dance competition in the Southern Hemisphere.
KUZZENS is a neighbourhood hip-hop dance crew based at Central White River, West Honiara.
According to their leader Dominic Kwaeota, he said the group was formed in 2006 with the crew name ‘Street Brothers’ with the idea of sharing the love of hip-hop dancing.
He told the Solomon Star in an interview prior to their departure yesterday that his dance crew really admired the way the Battlegrounds Solomon Islands (BGSI) competition was staged, where they were crowned as the winner.
“We admired how the BGSI was structured with the judging panel coming from overseas.
“It is of a standard where all of us came across as a level that is totally special and different.
“The feeling of dancing in the BGSI has taken us to the next level as well as preparing us for this Sydney championship (WSB 2016),” the young lad stated.
He added they have been practising very hard for the last three months and with their past experiences and togetherness in dancing, they are 100 percent confident to showcase their best routine in the competition.
Milk Shakes front man Noda Gallia also spoke high of the competition and said they are thankful for the opportunity to showcase their dance moves in the WSB.
Mr Gallia said they started off as a dance crew in 2008 performing in various competitions and occasions in the country.
“We called ourselves Milk Shake because of the mixture of the different ethnical background of our dancers.
“The WSB is an annual event and it is an honour for us to be representing our country, Solomon Islands.
“We have been preparing very hard and we are confident to compete in the Sydney Championship.
“We hope to make a difference in the competition and return with pleasing results,” Mr Gallia told the Solomon Star.
He however wishes to thank all of those that have assisted them financially to prepare for the WSB for without their kindness and generosity, they will not be part of the international competition.
With no tangible support coming from the government’s line ministry, the youths have decided to put up whatever they can come up with to raise enough money to support them while on their mission to Australia.
Over the past months and weeks, both crews have been hosting fundraising events to help assist them in their preparations.
According to both crews, despite the blurry gesture of support coming from the government, they have overcome the challenges and now they are in Australia chasing their dreams – opening the way for future dance groups to participate overseas.
All along, this is what they have always wanted since they started off as hip-hop dancers destined for bigger things – the WSB is one, as it is a great achievement for these young people.
Meanwhile, the BGSI organisers also wish to thank those that have been supportive since the initial stage of the BGSI till now.
Some of the original sponsors that helped the organising committee from the beginning of the BGSI are Bmobile-Vodafone, Heritage Park hotel, Frangipani Ice, Island Clothing, Future Dynasty, Meat Lovers, Blue Water, and many others.
The Team Solo reps flew off on Tuesday as proud Solomon Islanders raising the country’s profile in hip-hop dancing abroad.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
