Five-city N.Z. break-dancing contest planned

Press, 1 March 1984, Page 26

Five-city N.Z. break-dancing contest planned

Young break-dance enthusiasts in Christchurch will have a chance to test their skills against some of the top dancers in New Zealand. A Christchurch contest on March 30 will be part of a series of similar contests being held in four other cities in New Zealand. A dance-off between the cities will take place until two teams emerge and compete for the national title. The local contest will be held at Queen Elizabeth II Park, and is sponsored by the Nga Hau E Wha national marae. The organiser, Mr Hori Brennan, said last evening that the event could cost about $6500 to stage. About 17 teams are expected to enter the contest. - Mr Brennan said that many people seemed to think that the break-dancers were predominantly gang members and “street kids” and he hoped the contest would clear any confusion. It was a “craze” which

attracted a particular agegroup, mainly young teenagers, both “street kids” and schoolchildren, he said. “It is good and clean and a fantastic sort of thing for them,” he said.

He said he had noticed a change among many “street kids” since the trend caught on in Christchurch at Christmas. They seemed to have found a “new lease of life” and more confidence in themselves. The winning Christchurch team will dance against the Wellington team and the national dance-off is expected to be held before Easter. Other cities in the competition are Auckland, Hamilton and Hastings. The break-dancing competition in Cathedral Square which was cancelled last Friday may be held on March 9. A spokesman for Radio 3ZM, the sponsor of that event, said the date was a tentative one and details about the venue were being finalised.