It was no surprise as year by year, the crews from Chapkis dance studio would lead the charge for gold in the 2014 HHI USA Dance Championships. After performing against 11 junior division crews in the preliminary round. Chapkidz of Suisan CA has become a crowd favorite to take the gold earning a score of 7.73 out of 10. Not far behind is 3Tiny3 Area kids hailing from Los Angeles, CA. With their costume changes and excitingly exaggerated moves, 3Tiny3 Area kids may overtake Chapkidz for gold. Another California crew, Classic hailing from West Covina, CA round out the top 3.

A total of six crews of 11 move to the finals.

The full list of crews moving to finals are:

Position    Score    Team                              City
1                  7.73    Chapkidz                        Suisin,CA
2                 7.68    3Tiny3 Area Kidz         Los Angeles, CA
3                 7.48    Classic                            West Covina, CA
4                 7.11    First Class                      West Covina, CA
5                6.96    Mini Thrilla Bellaz       Gilbert, AZ
6               6.78    The Prodigy                    Las Vegas, NV

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It’s that time of year again as dance crews from around the world begin the trek to the Red Reck Resort in Las Vegas for the annual Hip Hop International dance competition. From Los Angeles to Miami and Europe to Asia, you can feel the excitement as the crews can’t wait to check into their room and explore the venue then get down to business of practice and competing.

Starting off the competition is the USA Hip Hop Dance Championships. The night commences with the crew orientation as hosts AJ Maldonado and Mookie Washington hype up the crowd. Screams for crew pride and town pride will abound in the ballroom before the actual competition begins tomorrow.

Currently 82 crews have joined the USA division of the championship. Rated Next Generation out of Washington and Studio One of Florida return to defend their title 2013 gold medal win.  The gold, silver and bronze medal winning crews of their respective divisions (junior, varsity, adult and mega crew) will move on to the world division competition.

210 International crews will converge on the stage for the World Hip Hop Dance competition starting Wednesday evening with Rockwell Family of Canada defending their world gold medal title.

Next Saturday will also include the World B-Boy and All Styles Battle.

2013 USA Adult Bronze Medal Champions perform a sneak peek number during HHI Media Day held at NappyTabs

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Rascals from Honolulu, HI at Hip Hop Internationals USA Hip Hop Dance Championship Preliminaries – Junior Division held at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The event took place on Sunday, August 4, 2012. Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador_HHI / Pacific Rim Photo Press.

By Pacific Rim Video Staff

Las Vegas – It was all about the youth of USA as Hip Hop International opened up its competition with the USA Hip Hop Championship junior division preliminary.

Hailing from New York, GENEX took the stage getting the crowd hyped with their old school mixed into their performance. Following up the New York crew was their state neighbor Iconic from New Jersey.

Iconic gave a hard performance with their moves.

The exciting moments aside from the dance were the interviews on stage with Mookie Washington. From crew members announcing their nicknames to answering questions, the crowd was oohing about the responses.

Cuteness aside, these kids illustrated that they belong at HHI’s USA Hip Hop Dance Championship junior division preliminary.

Scoring of 8 judges, 50 percent performance 50 percent tech.average out

Moving on the finals are the following crews (rank, name, score):

7.  6.07  – GENEX of New York
6. 7.37 – First Class of West Covina, Ca
5. 7.47 -  The Prodigy of Las Vegas, Nv
4. 7.52 – Iconic of Englishtown, NJ
3. 7.74 – ChapKidz of Suisun Ca
2. 7.96 – Rascals of Honolulu, Hi
1. 8.06 – Lil Phunk of Boston, Ma

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Howard Schwartz greets the USA dance crews during the USA Hip Hop Dance Championship orientation held at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday, August 3, 2013. ©Pacific Rim Photo Press. CR: Sthanlee B. Mirador.

By Pacific Rim Video Staff

Las Vegas – After a successful orientation with all the competing dance crews, HHI release the order of performance for the upcoming preliminary round of the USA Hip Hop Dance Championships.

The here is the list in division order:

USA Junior Division

1. Genex – New York, NY

2. Iconic – Englishtown, NJ

3. Rap Sheet – Alhambra, Ca

4. Mini Thrilla Fellaz – Phoenix, Az

5. First Class – West Covina, Ca

6. Root Rockers – Spokane, Wa

7. Lil’ Xplozion – Newport Beach, Ca

8. Mini Thrilla Bellaz – Gilbert, Az

9. The Prodigy – Las Vegas, Nv

10. Lil Phunk – Boston, Ma

11. Chapkidz – Suisun, Ca

12. Groovaloos – Bakersfield, Ca

13. Primary Source – Encinitas, Ca

14. Rascals – Honolulu (Defending Champion)

Atmosphere shot at the USA Hip Hop Dance Championship orientation. ©Pacific Rim Photo Press. CR: Sthanlee B. Mirador.

Varsity Division

1. Girl Equation – Newport Beach, Ca

2. Young Skull Club – San Francisco, Ca

3. Ill Habits – San Diego, Ca

4. The Organization – Garden Grove, Ca

5. Tru Definition – Encinitas, Ca

6. The Prodigy – Las Vegas, Nv

7. Prophecy – Suisun, Ca

8. Beatkillaz – Chandler, Az

9. Nu Era – Covina, Ca

10. Ground Zero – Las Vegas, Nv

11. Phunk Allstars – Boston, Ma

12. Slique – Wilmington, Ca

13. Elevated I – Irvine, Ca

14. Iconic – Englishtown, NJ

15. Cloud 9 – Victorville, Ca

16. Kaba Kids – Irvine, Ca

17. Vindikate – San Diego, Ca

18. Mixd Royalty – West Covina, Ca

19. Trouble Makers – Los Angeles, Ca

20. Mavericks – Irvine, Ca

21. Society – West Covina, Ca

22. KM Kids – Irvine, Ca

23. Fanatax – Seattle, Wa

24. Elektro Elite – Gilbert, Az

25. Vibe – Pleasant Grove, Ut

26. Underground – Irvine, Ca

27. Next Step Hooligans – Frisco, Tx

28. Phunk Fem – Boston, Ma

29. Soul Fresh Fam – Los Angeles, Ca

30. Brobots – Torrance, Ca

31. RNG Rated Next Generation – Seattle, Wa

32. Bandits – Honolulu, Hi (Defending Champion)

(l-r) Hazmat of Academy of Hype and Pharside of Academy of Villains at the USA Hip Hop Dance Championship orientation at the Red Rock Resort. ©Pacific Rim Photo Press. CR: Sthanlee B. Mirador

Adult Division

1. Abstrakt Statuz – Las Vegas, Nv

2. Rogue Makers – Los Angeles, Ca

3. Hip Hop Connxion – Chicago, Il

4. United Dance Crew – Coolidge, Az

5. Correlation Crew – Houston, Tx

6. Kaba Modern – Irvine, Ca

7. The Ecsntrcs – Fullerton, Ca

8, Tangled Roots – Spokane, Wa

9. Beat Warriaz – Chandler, Az

10. Illmatik Phlow – Miami, Fl

11. Haymakers – Vacaville, Ca

12. 5′ Foota Thrillaz – Gilbert, Az

13. Common Ground – Irvine, Ca

14. CADC – Irvine, Ca

15. Mix’d Elements – North Hollywood, Ca

16. Broken Toyz – Gilbert, Az

17. Phunk Snap – Boston, Ma

18. We’Dfy – Newport Beach, Ca

MegaCrew Division

1. Ambition Movement – Tucson, Az

2. Academy of Hype – Honolulu, Hi

3. Prime.D – Fullerton, Ca

4. Phunk Phenomenon – Everett, Ma

5. High Profile Dance – Las Vegas, Nv

6. Nu Nations – Covina, Ca

7. Ill Habits – San Diego, Ca

8. The Go! – Chicago, Il

9. 3-23 Main Army – Los Angeles, Ca

10. Breakthrough – Encinitas, Ca

11. The Prototypes – Los Angeles, Ca

12. Maker Empire – Los Angeles, Ca

13. Natural St8 – Chino, Ca

14. Rival School – Long Beach, Ca

15. Studio One – Orlando, Fl

16. CDF – Suisun, Ca

17. Chimera Concept – New York, NY

18. Academy of Swag – West Covina, Ca (DF)

The event starts at Sunday, August 4 at 9am.

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By Pacific Rim Video Staffer

Los Angeles – Every year, the roster of competitors grows for the USA division competition of Hip Hop International. The competition for the USA commences at the Red Rock Resort and Casino on August 3 and ending with the finals on August 5. The list of crews participating as of Sunday, July 7, 2013 is as follows:

JUNIOR DIVISION

RASCALS – HONOLULU, HI (Defending Champions)

PRIMARY SOURCE – ENCINITAS, CA

GROOVALOOS – BAKERSFIELD, CA

RAP SHEET – ALHAMBRA, CA

MINI THRILLA FELLAZ – GILBERT, AZ

MINI THRILLA BELLAZ – GILBERT, AZ

FIRST CLASS – WEST COVINA, CA

THE PRODIGY – LAS VEGAS, NV

LIL PHUNK – EVERETT, MA

VARSITY DIVISION

BANDITS – HONOLULU, HI (Defending Champions)

UNDERGROUND – IRVINE, CA

SLIQUE  – MALDEN, VA

CLOUD 9 – VACAVILLE, CA

TRI-DEFINITION – ENCINITAS, CA

ILL HABITS – CHULA VISTA, CA

BEAT KILLAZ – CHANDLER, AZ

MAVERICKS  – IRVINE, CA

KM KIDS – IRVINE, CA

ELEVATED  – IRVINE, CA

KABA KIDS – IRVINE, CA

VINDIKATE – WINCHESTER, CA

SOUL FRESH FAM – NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA

ELEKTRO-ELITE – GIBERT, AZ

TROUBLE MAKERS – LOS ANGELES, CA

MIXD ROYALTY – WEST COVINA, CA

SOCIETY – WEST COVINA, CA

THE PRODIGY – LAS VEGAS, NV

PHUNK FEM – EVERETT, MA

PHUNK ALLSTARS – EVERETT, MA

3-23 AREA KIDS – LOS ANGELES, CA

ADULT DIVISION

MIX’D ELEMENTS – LOS ANGELES, CA

HAYMAKERS – VACAVILLE, CA

UNITED DANCE CREW – COOLIDGE, AZ

BROKEN TOYZ – MESA, AZ

CADC – IRVINE, CA

BEATWARRIAZ – CHANOER, AZ

COMMON GROUND – IRVINE, CA

CORRELATION CREW – HOUSTON, TX

POINT BLANK – DEPTFORD, NJ

ROGUE MAKERS – LOS ANGELES, CA

BLENDED – WEST COVINA, CA

5′ FOOTA THRILLAZ – GILBERT, AZ

HIP HOP CONNXION – CHICAGO, IL

ILLMATIC PHLOW – MIAMI, FL

MEGACREW DIVISION

ACADEMY OF SWAG – WEST COVINA, CA (Defending Champions)

ACADEMY OF HYPE – HONOLULU, HI

THE GO! – CHICAGO, IL

PRIME.D – CYPRESS, CA

BREAKTHROUGH – ENCINITAS, CA

MAKER EMPIRE – LOS ANGELES, CA

NATURAL ST8 – RANCHO  CUCAMONGO, CA

THE PROTOTYPES – LOS ANGELES, CA

ILL HABITS CREW – IRVINE, CA

AMBITION MOVEMENT – TUCSON, AZ

PHUNK PHENOMENON – EVERETT, MA

STUDIO ONE – ORLANDO, FL

MAIN ARMY – LOS ANGELES, CA

RIVAL SCHOOL – LONG BEACH, CA

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By Peter Gonzaga

Los Angeles – Don’t rule out the Mid-West as a top contender for a hip hop dance competition. The Legacy Project of Tulsa, OK will make you forget the notion that Tulsa is all about country music and line dancing. You’ll see The Legacy Project will take on the best in the U.S. Varsity division at Hip Hop International and preach to the crowd their movement in dance along with the word of God.

The Legacy Project is part of a ministry whole-heartedly commited to excellence in faith and excellence in artistic ability. They are known for their  hard hitting moves along with their very fast choreography. As an all female crew, their strength to compete in HHI and their drive to dance comes from their influence of previous HHI World Dance Champion group, Request of New Zealand. Not only are they influenced by Request, they also revere Keone Madrid and Mariel Martin as their favorite choreographers.

Having been known as studio dancers, they hope to break that mold and overcome that difficulty to find respect and admiration from other HHI competitors. This all female group can’t wait to build new relationships and learn from all the amazing dancers they meet.

We’ll have to see as the USA competition starts on Monday, July 30, 2012 if The Legacy Project can create a legacy of their own at HHI.

Like this all female group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelegacyproject or go to their website at www.thelegacyprojectonline.com

To watch their performances go to youtube.com/legacyprojectvideo

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By Peter Gonzaga

Los Angeles – Dance movements can hypnotize a crowd and Las Vegas’ Hypnotix crew hopes to do just that to the judges at the 2012 Hip Hop International. According to Hypnotix Crew, “It is a vision that came to life for Terrill Ladd, aka “MEKKA” in October 2005. Collaborating ideas with friends, the outcome was far superior to the of other dance crews currently in the Las Vegas dance scene. He also wanted to take his crew to heights that were beyond anyone but him to understand.”

Hypnotix crew is known for Hypnotix is known for their originality hard hitting style  along with , smooth style, & other forms of hip hop dance: Breakin’, Poppin’ , Lockin’ & House.

For Hypnotix Crew it has been three years since they took to the stage of Hip Hop International. The crew states, “We’ve grown so much in 3 years & we are excited to take the HHI stage again!”

As they prepared for the competition, there have been some difficult moments they had to overcome. Hypnotix explains, “Getting the whole crew to get their work, school, & family schedules worked out, was the most difficult. Hypnotix has participated in about 5 events in 4 weeks & we decided to compete in HHI last minute. We only had 2 weeks to get our routine put together & ready to perform!”

Aside from the competition and difficulties surrounding a world class event like HHI, the crew hopes to gain experience, relationships with fans, crews, dancers & other professionals.

Previous crews who have participated in HHI have influence the crew. They say, “We are inspired by all dancers, choreographers & crews that live to perform from their hearts & that have a passion for dance which is our life line! Without other dancers, crews & choreographers always working hard, getting better, & pioneering new moves, grooves & choreo styles. we would not have as much direction or inspiration. Thank you everyone for sharing your passion.”

Fun facts about Hypnotix Crew:

Hypnotix was awarded a PROCLAIMATION by Council Man Ricky Barlow and the City of Las Vegas, for their outstanding work in the city. Now every October 19 is Officially, HYPNOTIX DANCE KREW DAY!

Hypnotix also host “SET IT OFF” dance crew competition & “BATTLE TACTIX” . This event was established in 2006 & is now approaching its 7th year. OCTOBER 6th 2012 @ Cashman Center Las Vegas. “SET IT OFF” 6 – 2011 brought over 600 dancers & 1,400 attendees to Cashman Center Las Vegas.

Get to know Hypnotix Crew by being their friend on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hypnotixdancekrew

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By Peter Gonzaga

Los Angeles – Hawaii is not just hula girls and luaus, there’s a hip hop dance revolution going on as Blank Canvas is ready to take their moves and paint a masterpiece at the adult division competition of the 2012 Hip Hop International USA Dance Hip Hop Championship. Hailing from Honolulu, Hi, this crew was started with friends who shared the same passion for art music and dance. Blank Canvas’ Ian Navasca explains, “The more we created together, the closer we became. From countless Dance Sessions, to creating “Masterpieces” together, A camaraderie was formed in the group, and from there, Blank Canvas was born.”

As artists themselves, they style has become well known in Hawaii and beyond. “All of our Artists (crew members) specializes in many different styles of dance. From Popping, Locking, Krumping, Hip-Hop, and even Jazz. We are known for incorporating lights in our dance while executing intricate moves & intense energy. Dance is Art!”

With artists, there are influences. For Blank Canvas, one of their biggest influence from crews who have participated at Hip Hop International is The Philippine Allstars. Navasca says, ” Their intense energy and amazing blow ups are one of a kind and pushed Blank Canvas to make even greater Masterpieces. They’ve really motivated us to go hard!

Away from the HHI stage, their biggest influence is The Jabbawockeez. Ian points out, “We really appreciate the art of musicality that they posses and the amazing characters they come up with. They are a perfect example of music coming to LIFE.”

With the recent relocation of their member Cris to Los Angeles, it’s been a challenge for Blank Canvas to ensure Cris nails down the groups Masterpieces they plan to display at Hip Hop International. Ian says, “It’s been tough, but we all believe in each other and we are taking the step to visit the mainland a little earlier to teach our brother the piece.”

The experience of competing at Hip Hop International is going to be a lasting impression for Blank Canvas. “It has always been a dream for all of us to compete at HHI, and to showcase our Art to people coming from all over the world. In Hawaii, we don’t normally get the exposure to do so because of the distance away from the Dance scene. Our ultimate goal is to gain a name for ourselves and a respect in the dance world so that people can see and enjoy the Art and masterpieces that Blank Canvas can create.” excitedly says Ian Navasca.

Some fun facts about Blank Canvas:

- Blank Canvas auditioned for ABDC season 7, but did not make it, but plan to do so again for the next season.

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By Tami LaRovere of Elektrolyttlez

Gilbert, AZ – The Elektrolyttlez Dance Crew is the Jr Crew to The Elektrolytes, America’s Best Dance Crew – Season 7. Our crew formed in April of 2011 through an audition held by Sal Banuelos, creator & choreographer.  Elektolyttlez are a group of young dancers from all around the Metro Phoenix area.  A lot of our crew members knew each other from other dance companies, competitions, conventions, workshops, battles & studios around the valley. This talented group of young dancers have various training in all different forms of dance from hip hop, breaking, popping, house, wacking, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet etc.  The Elektrolyttlez crew members often compete in street competitions & battles together.  In just their first year of being together they managed to pull off a 3^rd place win at World of Dance in San Diego and a 2^nd Place win at Boogiedabeat. These are two very well known & difficult competitions. The Eletkrolyttlez all have a passion for dancing & they love to share it with their surrounding community through special performances. They would love to come to Hip Hop International & achieve success in such a well known & respected World competition. This will be their 2^nd time competing at Hip Hop International.

The challenges of having crew members from all over the valley are distance, time constraints & the difficulty of working with so many different commitments and schedules. We manage to pull it off & love when we are working hard together with Sal doing our choreography. Recently we added a new choreographer to the crew – Fro Styles & four new members. Now we have a Jr Varsity Crew & a Varsity Crew.  Our crew members are: Alyssa A.K.A. Alley Cat, Angelica A.K.A. Jelly, Maggie A.K.A. Magnificent, Amy A.K.A. Tank Girl, Michaela A.K.A. Tra Bul, Michael A.K.A. Top Gun , Jared A.K.A. J-Rod, Phoenix, Jaron A.K.A.  Future, Dominic A.K.A. ShowOff, Robert A.K.A. Ojos, Kalani, Lexie & Tatum.

Our social media contacts are:

www.facebook.com/elektrolyttlezdancecrew

& Twitter @elektrolyttlez

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The Mighty 7 of Mighty Shock San Diego ready to take on other U.S. junior crews at Hip Hop International.

By Peter Gonzaga

Los Angeles – Mighty Shock San Diego is  a hip-hop training troupe for dancers ages 13 years and under, Mighty Shock troupe members build a solid hip-hop dance foundation, learn challenging routines, and grow as individuals working toward a common goal of performing great routines at various community events and showcases. The teamwork and confidence that is displayed by these young dancers inspires youth and adults alike. Through their strength in dance, Mighty Shock San Diego will be field their own junior crew with several of its strongest members as Mighty 7 at Hip Hop International.

According to Mighty Shock Director, Shanara Lennox explains the reason for Mighty 7′s participation at Hip Hop International’s U.S. Dance Championships, “I have been coming for the last three years and always wanted to take a team.  Our company consist of 25-30 dancers so it was really hard to pick only ’7′ of the best! It’s also considered the Hip Hop Olympics, representing your city to the fullest.”

The crew is known for their bboying. “That’s where my foundation is and that’s what I love to teach along with Old School Hip Hop.” says Lennox.

Gearing up for Hip Hop International, Lennox says that the most difficult thing has been scheduling rehearsals for her crew.

They hope to achieve international recognition through the participation at HHI.

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