Fierce Competition At K-Pop Dance Cover Championship
Ipoh Parade’s dance extravaganza has the crowd singing and dancing along.
K-Pop dance fever hit its zenith over the weekend as almost 30 groups of dancers dazzled shoppers with a show-stopping performance of K-Pop dance covers that had the crowd singing loudly along and mirroring their moves.
The K-Pop Dance Cover Competition has always been a hit with the Ipoh Parade crowd but enthusiasm reached fever pitch this time as contestants upped the ante with high-energy performances and intriguing fashion choices that enhanced the electrifying vibe of a live concert event.
Ultimately though, only one can become champion and after a closely fought battle with Chromation who put up a high-octane performance of TNX’s Move, five-member girl group Sixth Century emerged triumphant.
Sixth Century delivered a rousing rendition of popular girl group ITZY’s hit songs Wannabe and Not Shy complete with prop chairs and costume change. The group took home RM3,100 worth of cash and prizes, while runner-up Chromation received RM1,600 worth of cash and prizes.
No strangers to the K-Pop dance scene, this year’s judges Min Yang, Jing Han, and Ereene are all seasoned K-Pop performers having netted a number of wins themselves in various K-Pop dance competitions.
Throughout the competition, Jing Han reminded the contestants to enjoy the stage and “don’t stress yourself out.” Much to the delight of the crowd, all three judges also showcased their dance moves in a performance with their respective groups.
The K-Pop Dance competition, which took place on Sunday, 31 July, was part of a 2-day dance extravaganza at Ipoh Parade, which also featured a Junior Crew Dance Showcase and 1-on-1 Open Style Battle, both of which took place on Saturday, 30 July.
The Junior Crew Showcase highlighted the fancy footwork and rhythmic body expressions of dancers aged 15 and under. The young contestants held their own on the dance floor, enchanting the crowd with their dynamic and lively performances, which ranged from hip-hop and Latin dance to contemporary and ballet-influenced techniques.
Pint-sized powerhouse Hot Shotz lived up to their name, emerging as champions of the Junior Crew Showcase with a spirited performance based on a military theme. The trio from Hot Shotz comprised sisters Lee Kai Xing, 10, and Lee Kai Qi, 6, as well as Tia Clarissa Liew Jia Yi, 13. They took home RM1,000 worth of cash and prizes.
Their instructor, Dylan, said the girls underwent three weeks of training to prepare for the competition. He attributed Hot Shotz’s win to their solid foundation, mastery of routine, and understanding of the criteria to win.
The competition that attracted the largest number of contestants was the 1-on-1 Open Style Battle. With over 100 participators, the fierce competition was exhibited in the explosive performances on display. From exaggerated body movements to unusual body contortions and gravity-defying twists and jumps, the dancers had the crowd gaping in awe and cheering in excitement at their energetic hip hop moves.
As dancers were gradually whittled down, anticipation and excitement were high by the time the remaining two dancers, Juice and Jackson Boogie J, faced off on the dance floor. The competition was keen as both demonstrated their remarkable talent and zeal for freestyling, but in the end, it was the master of minute movements, Jackson Boogie J who was declared numero uno in Ipoh Parade’s 1-on-1 Open Style Battle.
Jackson Boogie J won RM1,700 worth of cash and prizes, while Juice took home RM950 worth of cash and prizes.
During the two-day event, shoppers were also treated to a performance by a popular Malaysian street dance crew, Rejuvenate Dance Crew (RJVN), who marked their 10th anniversary as a group since they came together in 2012.
Among the event’s sponsors were Sasa who sponsored hampers worth a total of RM5,000 and popular streetwear and lifestyle clothing brand, Swaganz. Other sponsors for the event included Tealive, Anta Sports, Focus Point, Skechers, Boat Noodle, Illusion, MOG, Etrend, Kbox, Drum, Dees, Kyoshinja and Waikiki Travel and Tours.
Event: K-Pop Dance Cover Competition
Venue: Ipoh Parade, Ipoh
Date: 31st July, 2022
Time: 2pm
