Eight crews showed off their talent in this urban dance style, with original choreography packed with stunts and moves that make jaws drop.
This was the third time this competition has been held. Organised by Nova productions, it was won by the Sharks on Earth.
The crowd was silent as this crew came out onto the platform dressed as mummies. The beginning of the choreography was slow and attention grabbing. This was the calm before the storm as the dancers stripped off their costumes and proceeded to win the audience over with the moves they performed.
The group called Rhythmic Styles came in second place while the Underground shadows secured the third prize.
“There is little support for this form of dance. Since it emerged from street culture it is nor appreciated enough,” said Sarah Mercieca, one of the competition organisers.
Nova productions, the team behind the event, aims to raise enough money to send one of the many talented groups abroad and to put on a local show on a grand scale.
“We work extremely hard, with minimal support,” Ms Mercieca said. Despite this, the team succeeded in putting on Sunday’s show that attracted quite a number of visitors. “The outcome is improving every year as people are being made aware of break-dance.”
Ms Mercieca said the idea behind all this work is to get young people to release their energy in a positive way. “Break-dance keeps them away from drugs and other negative aspects of society and gives them focus.”
The crews break their backs (though not literally!) to put their choreography together and fine-tune it to almost perfection. Although Sunday’s event was a competition all the members of the crews were extremely friendly and supportive of each other. After all, they have the same passion and drive for break-dance.
The competition has also served as a launch pad for new Maltese artists. Ms Mercieca said that Hooligan first performed his songs alone at one of the previous events. This year’s shows gave Miriam Christine Borg the chance to perform songs off her new R ‘n’ B-style CD.
The Maltese rap group, IQ, also performed and stunned the crowd with their abilities. The group is as good as any rap artist heard on the radio today.
The break-dancers do not have a fixed rehearsal space. Although two dance schools do lend their studio space, the crews often resort to practising their moves in driveways and garages.
“All we need is a fairly large room that could be open to all the crews, giving them a chance to not only practise but also to get together and create a better sense of unity,” Ms Mercieca said.
While watching these often very young people flipping through the air and twirling on their heads, it is hard to not ask about the fear of injury. Ms Mercieca explained that one must start with the basics.
“Strength is built slowly. You cannot try doing a back flip the first time you start break-dancing,” said Ms Mercieca. She gives lessons in basic break-dance and explained that she stresses on safety. Dancers must wear wrist supports due to the high impact on this part of the body during break-dancing.
Ms Mercieca said break-dancers are being encouraged to take up gymnastics to help with some of the aerial moves and reduce injury. “It is called break-dancing after all, so precautions such as the proper joint supports and mats are a necessity.”
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