Remarkable Multi-Sport Event in Hong Kong Impresses International Audience 22/12/2023

Hong Kong recently played host to a sensational convergence of DanceSport athleticism and artistry in an impressive two-week DanceSport festival.

The stage was set for the grand finale of the WDSF Breaking for Gold World Series of the year, following the World Series held in Kitakyushu, Rio de Janeiro, Montpellier, and Portugal this year.

Breaking

Two days of intense Breaking battles unfolded in the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong, where it was the last chance for Breaking athletes to earn points and qualify for the Olympic Qualifier ranking; this is WDSF’s ranking system approved by the International Olympic Committee, which then determines which B-Boys and B-Girls will qualify for the upcoming Olympic Qualifier Series to be held in Shanghai and Budapest in 2024, and finally, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The competition was tenacious, with 136 Breaking athletes from 48 countries and regions, comprising of 78 B-Boys from 40 countries, and 58 B-Girls from 33 countries. Japan claimed victory in both Breaking 1vs1 B-Boys and B-Girls categories, with B-Boy Issin and B-Girl Riko earning gold medals for Japan. The final battle for gold was a close and intense fight, with B-Boy Wing (KOR) and B-Girl Stefani (UKR) earning the silver. Winning the bronze medals were also prides of the Japanese team, represented by B-Boy Hiro and B-Girl Ayane.

Amidst the event's memorable moments, the vibrant atmosphere was fueled by the enthusiastic energy of the crowd, amplified by the event hosts, MG from Slovakia and Hong Kong's own Fat Joe. The local dancers from Hong Kong delivered a captivating opening ceremony, concluding with a remarkable showcase by the esteemed panel of Breaking judges, honouring the rich traditions of Hip Hop culture.

From left to right: Silver medalist, B-Boy Wing (KOR), gold medalist, B-Boy Issin (JPN), and bronze medalist, B-Boy Hiro10 (JPN).

B-Boy Issin (JPN) celebrating his victory.

From left to right: Silver medalist, B-Girl Stefani (UKR), gold medalist, B-Girl Riko (JPN), and bronze medalist, B-Girl Ayane (JPN).

Team of Breaking judges and officials at the WDSF BfG World Series Hong Kong.

Max (POR) giving a lecture at the WDSF Breaking for Gold Judge Congress.

MG, Bojin, Katsu One and Narumi leading the WDSF Breaking for Gold Judge Congress, which ran the day after the conclusion of the World Series.

Standard and Latin

The exciting DanceSport event did not stop there. The day after the WDSF Breaking for Gold World Series, and running concurrently with the final WDSF Breaking for Gold Judge Congress of the year, the competition hall seamlessly transitioned into the stage for the WDSF World Championship Adult Formation Latin.

Twelve formidable teams from across the world battled for glory, representing Germany, Austria, Mongolia, Ukraine, Netherlands, Hungary, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong.

The German team, Grün-Gold-Club Bremen, emerged victorious, adding to their illustrious track records of victories, having won the World Championship for five consecutive years since 2018. In second place was the HSV Zwölfaxing A-Team of Austria, and in third place was Moon Dance from Mongolia.

The winning team, Grün-Gold-Club Bremen (GER).

HSV Zwölfaxing A-Team (AUT), which won second place.

Moon Dance (MGL), third place medalists.

As the festival continues to unfold throughout December, Hong Kong remains a beacon for DanceSport enthusiasts. From the Hong Kong Open Standard and Latin events to the DanceSport Asia (DSA) Asian Single Dance Championship, the city embraces a multitude of competitions catering to various age groups and skill levels.

Mr. Nenad Jeftic, Vice-President of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and Mr. Fok Chun-ting (GBS, JP), Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Association and Olympic Committee at the Opening Ceremony of the WDSF World Championship Formation Latin.

Reflecting on this exhilarating DanceSport festival, WDSF President Mr. Shawn Tay remarked, “At this multi-sport event, we witness a beautiful diversity, where people from different cultures come together through the language of movement. It's a festival that goes beyond borders, celebrating the unity found in our shared love for DanceSport. In addition, the WDSF is greatly appreciative of the work of HKDSA for the contributions to the global DanceSport scene.”

The success of this grand event wouldn't have been possible without the commendable efforts of the Hong Kong DanceSport Association, led by the HKDSA Chair, Mr. George Yip. Their dedication and hard work in fostering DanceSport have been instrumental in making this global celebration a reality. As the festival continue until the end of the month, the DanceSport event in Hong Kong stands as a prime example of the unifying influence of sports and the limitless expression through movement.

Photo credits: Alan Chi and HKDSA