MAS is working on an audacious plan to restart the WSB Battlegrounds street dance competition by October. Hip Hop and street dance is back on the agenda.
Ongoing discussions between key stakeholders including venues, studio owners and dance leaders has prompted MAS management to explore the sweeping possibility of organizing WSB Battlegrounds qualifiers across Australia this year.
The first WSB Battlegrounds state competition could potentially kickstart in Blacktown City on October 24. Other dates could be staggered sooner or later depending on how well the COVID-19 cases are managed by the respective State Governments and if further lockdowns are required.
The intended WSB Battlegrounds restart will have multiple scenarios under consideration, such as split age-group sessions on event day, by-invitation only choreography battle tournament, video submissions, live streaming and online workshops per State.
Some of the key questions that will be addressed in the coming weeks include the health risk and safety protocols for all dance participants and their families. Strict health guidelines will be in place to ensure social distancing rules are followed. Audience numbers will be limited based on the venue partners’ health and safety practices.
Sydney-based WSB founder Marco Selorio believes the relaunch of WSB will uplift the spirits of the dance community worldwide.
“We are all in the same boat in the Arts and Entertainment industry. Dancers in particular are looking for an avenue to perform somewhere, anywhere. Sports leagues like the NRL and AFL have inspired us to move forward with this plan. This bold restart gives our community hope, inspiration and motivation to face the new normal head-on,”said Selorio.
The World Supremacy Battlegrounds (WSB) is the biggest and most prestigious street dance competition in the Southern Hemisphere. It was established in 2004 initially as a “State of Origin” dance battle between Sydney and Melbourne. Since then, WSB has transformed into a major international street dance competition that caters to more than 20,000 dancers annually. Some of the biggest stars that came from WSB include Justice Crew, Timomatic, Kookies N Kream, Parris Goebel (New Zealand) and Philippine champions UPeepz, Kenyo Street Fam and FCPC Baliktanaw.
The dance community’s support will play a key role in the WSB Battlegrounds restart. Dance studios/schools, crew leaders, dancers and parents are encouraged to express their interest, suggestions and concerns regarding the proposed Battlegrounds competition via email to battlegroundsaustralia@gmail.com
Register today https://form.jotform.com/Hoopdreamz/wsb-battlegrounds-registration