“The Hip Hop Crew Championships provide performers with opportunities to showcase the artistry and technique of Hip Hop dance, nationally and internationally, with the chance for television and media exposure and prestigious national and world championship titles. Creativity, showmanship and artistic freedom are always rewarded provided integrity, good taste and safety are not compromised. Crews showcase their ultimate works of art in a two (2) minute routine. The most captivating routines consist of a variety of Hip Hop styles. There is no one definition from any one country that defines “Hip Hop”. Hip Hop is a fusion of dance disciplines and cultural interpretations from around the world. A Hip Hop theme incorporates Hip Hop clothing, attitude, music, posture and street style that make it uniquely Hip Hop.” For further information regarding this competition visit www.hiphopworldwide.com

“The rules require participants to demonstrate both Old School and New School styles with character and attitude.”

OC: Who started the USA & Hip Hop World Championships?

Howard: The USA and World Hip Hop Championships were founded by Los Angeles Hip Hop International which is a division of Sport Fitness International (SFI) recognized for producing live events and television. SFI created sportaerobics in 1983 an intense and very athletic dance competition broadcast in the USA and the world on ESPN and now on its way to becoming a full Olympic Sport.

OC: How and when did the first USA & Hip Hop World Championships happen? Background?

Howard: The first USA and World Hip Hop Championship was conducted in 2002. USA crews were selected from video taped entries and international crews were invited by Hip Hop International worldwide affiliates in 30+ countries.

OC: What types of preparation go in to the planning of this huge event?
“…encouraging the fusion of studio and street dance styles but not forget where the culture began and how the originators of hip hop helped to pave the way.”

Howard: Planning for the 2004 World Championship began the day the 2003 World Championship ended. Dates, sites and schedules must be set with ample time for USA and international organizers to set their dates for national events. The process to find sponsors and television coverage is ongoing throughout the year. Since this is a relatively new event with huge potential we look forward to finding a corporate partner in the near future.

OC: Who are the minds behind this event?

Howard: Howard Schwartz, the President of Hip Hop International has been organizing dance competitions since the original productions of Dance Fever in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He and his wife/partner Karen founded their production/sports marketing company in 1984 and have produced live events and television shows around the world since then.

OC: What countries participate in the USA & Hip Hop World Championships?

Howard: Countries anticipated for 2004 are Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Canada, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Netherlands, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, USA and others.

OC: How did you establish the rules and regulations for this competition?

Howard: The rules were written utilizing the knowledge and expertise of dance professionals from multiple countries in the Americas, Asia and Europe over a period of one year. The rules are designed to give the participants thorough information to prepare their routine. The rules require participants to demonstrate both Old School and New School styles with character and attitude.

OC: Why did you decide to go with the 2-minute, 3 song max format, asides from the usual 5-6 minute format?

Howard: Since it is our goal to produce the championship for USA and Worldwide broadcast the two-minute/three song format was established. Through our experience of producing dance competitions for television we have learned that shorter is more in keeping with television programming and is more effective in holding the viewer’s interest.
“…the opportunity for our crews to participate with dancers from all over the world who share a passion for hip-hop dance is an experience like no other.”

OC: Who has judged your past events?

Howard: Past judges have included Fatima, Hi Hat, Chonique, Angie Bunch (founder of Culture Shock) and international Hip Hop dance choreographers.

OC: Whose to be expected in the judging panel of this year’s event?

Howard: Among the more celebrated judges confirmed thus far are Dave Scott and Debbie Allen.

OC: How is the USA & Hip Hop World Championships a positive event for the Hip Hop community?

Howard: Hip Hop has reached beyond the streets of urban America into suburban studios and international cities. The hip-hop community is more about business than ever before and the business is reaching broader and more mainstream audiences. Through the USA and World Hip Hop Championships we plan to embrace this ever developing market, encouraging the fusion of studio and street dance styles but not forget where the culture began and how the originators of hip hop helped to pave the way. When it concludes we hope it becomes a new venue to open doors and present new opportunities for members of the dance community.

OC: Who was involved in the planning of this event? Any major sponsors?

Howard: Hip Hop International is producing the event without major sponsorship at this time.

OC: What styles of Hip Hop dance are performed at your shows?

Howard: The rules of the USA and World Hip Hop Championships encourage crews to express their individuality and creativity in performing their routines and selecting their music. The routines should demonstrate both old school and new school styles. Locking, popping, breaking, etc., are made a part of the choreographed and synchronized street style performance.

OC: Do you look for the same style of groups each year? What type of groups would you like to see more of?

Howard: The judges encourage routines that push the edge and go outside the box. Italy has been very imaginative in their choreography and creativity…a crew of five adult women performed to the melody of Ave Maria with a hip hop musical underscore while a second crew did a striking punk character routine with unique hip hop elements. New Zealand brought a more tribal sound and native look to their routine.

OC: How many dance groups compete each year?

Howard: In 2003 approximately 35 crews competed. This year we anticipate 50+ crews. There are three age divisions:
Junior (7-12 years) Varsity (12-17) Adult (18+)

OC: What’s the prize?

Howard: The World Hip Hop Championship is produced like the Olympic Games demonstrating the respect and national pride of world class athletes. Winners are declared World Champions and Gold, Silver and Bronzed medals are awarded while the national anthems play in the background. Publicity through television coverage and local and national press is anticipated and providing the participants a great opportunity for industry recognition and mainstream exposure. Product and cash prizes will be added as sponsors come on board.

OC: Is this years competition going to be aired on television? If so..what channel?

Howard: We are still in discussion with the cable networks about broadcasting the complete event. Highlights of the championships and interviews with participants will be seen on local newscasts and national talk shows.

OC: How does your competition differ from other dance competitions held?

Howard: This championship is for crews of 5 to 8 members with routines two minutes in length. We are encouraging existing crews to break from their norm, which is usually a crew made up of 15+ members and a routine of up to 5 minutes. The change is exciting and challenging and crews who have reduced their team size and time frame to meet our criteria have had incredible success and very positive experiences in the process. Additionally, the opportunity for our crews to participate with dancers from all over the world who share a passion for hip-hop dance is an experience like no other. It is overwhelming emotionally and very rewarding. Ask anyone who competed last year.

OC: How is this year’s competition going to differ from the previous years?

Howard: The 2004 competition will be different in that it is being organized in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world while the background last year was South Beach, the sun and fun capital. Dancers are coming expecting to see some of the USA’s best dancers and we hope we will not let them down. We are also anticipating the dance industry, including agents, managers, choreographers and celebrities to be in the audience and captivated by the outstanding talent on stage. This year we will also present Urban Moves, the definitive hip hop dance workshop with Dave Scott, Shane Sparks, Chonique and Swoop on Sunday, August 8 from 9:00am to 4:00pm ($75 all day).

OC: How do you compare the first USA & Hip Hop World Championships to this years?

Howard: The first USA championship was in 2002 so there is not much history for a comparison. However, we do expect to have more crews representing more cities and countries than last year.

OC: What should people be expecting of this years show? Who’s going to be there? Performers?

Howard: People can expect an incredibly motivating event that will have them jumping out of their seats. International flags will be flying, national chants will be sung from international delegations in the audience and a true spirit and love of hip hop will prevail. We are inviting celebrities to attend and possibly perform, but at this writing we have not confirmed who will be present.

OC: Where and when is this years USA & Hip Hop World Championships held?
2004 USA Hip Hop Championship Schedule
Event Date/Time Location
USA Preliminaries (All Divisions) Thursday, August 5 at 11:00am Manhattan Beach Marriott

USA Final (All Divisions) Friday, August 6 at 7:30pm Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
The top six crews in each age division advance to the World Hip Hop Championship

2004 World HipHop Championship Schedule
Event Date/Time Location
World Preliminaries

Junior and Varsity Divisions Saturday, August 7 at 1:00pm Manhattan Beach Marriott
Adult Division Saturday, August 7 at 7:30pm Manhattan Beach Marriott
World Final (All Divisions) Sunday, August 8 at 7:30pm Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

URBAN MOVES DANCE WORKSHOP: Sunday, August 8 at 9:00am to 4:00pm Manhattan Beach Marriott

Manhattan Beach Marriott – 1400 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach.
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center – 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach

OC: Where can people go about purchasing tickets?

Howard: Tickets are available in advance on line at www.hiphopinternational.com or by calling Hip Hop international at 1.800.669.5867 or 323.850.3777. Ticket packages including all events are being offered. Based on availability (if it’s not sold out) tickets will also be available at the door.

OC: I want to find out more information about the event? Where do I go?

Howard: Information on the event, rules of the competition, event schedule and more can be found on the website at www.hiphopinternational.com Any crews interested in participating can call 1.800.669.5867 or email us at hiphopworldwide@aol.com for registration forms and ticket order forms.