SMADS concludes stint in hip hop tilt

Saipan Music and Dance Studio dancers last week competed in Hip Hop International held in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Contributed Photo)

Saipan Music and Dance Studio dancers completed their stint in Hip Hop International after performing in the first round of competition from Aug. 9 to 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“There were over 70 plus crews in their varsity division that competed and only the top 40 crews advance into the semifinals. We were hopeful to be called on, of course but so were the other 500 plus dancers. We weren’t as surprised knowing we didn’t make it to the second round. Competition out there is really tough! We were against the best crews in the world,” said SMADS head choreographer Kevin John Razon.

“Although we felt like we had a slight edge over some of the crews especially after watching the rest of the competition, we were lucky enough to be the very first dance troupe on stage as we opened the division. The kids were very happy of the outcome and felt a lot more confident after. We weren’t expecting anything special. Everyone’s mindset going into the competition was just to give it our best!” he added.

When asked what he thought the best moment the kids had during the competition, Razon said, “I think the best moment for the kids was prior to getting on stage as the first performers. As they proceeded to the backstage area, all the other countries and dancers were so welcoming. Numerous strangers and event coordinators and workers wished them good luck. The kids told me, ‘Even if it was the first time to enter Hip Hop International, everyone made us feel like we belong. Like, we’ve always been here with them.’”

Asked if SMADS dancers will try again next year, Razon answered in the affirmative.

“Yes, we will definitely be working hard to get back! It was our first international competition… We would definitely not miss a chance to participate again.”

Razon hopes that SMADS dancers would get more support from the community in time for next year’s competition.

“We’re looking toward more support from the community and everyone around us in 2017. We’re hoping for more supporters that would also participate in the event. Now that we understand the feeling of the competition, next time we’ll be more prepared than ever. We’ll be bigger, better, and stronger. We are not disheartened by this loss. We’ve only just begun!” he said.

The SMADS dancers who competed in Las Vegas are Carl Marquez, 17; John Cavinta, 16; Lance Elayda, 16; Catherine Castro, 16; Carl Lambat, 15; Jenalyn Tinio, 15; Mary Sablan, 15; and Donna Galvez, 15. The dancers are accompanied by Angelica Chong-Valencia, assistant head choreographer/team leader; Prajan Panthi-Sunar, choreographer; and Ester Sablan, SMADS owner.