Hype takes top prize in dance competition

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IN ANTICIPATION of the upcoming release of the new animated movie Happy Feet Two, e@Curve recently held a fun-filled dance competition and showcase, giving young dancers the opportunity to show off their talent.

Shoppers were in for a real treat as the Centre Atrium was filled with lively music, dance displays and a range of entertainment.

The dance competition was opened to participants from the age of 12 and above. They were challenged to interpret the themes of “Happy Feet” or “Penguin Dance” through their chosen style of dance, from tap dance to free-style.

In groups, they had the opportunity to wow shoppers and the panel of judges — professional dancer Cleo Lee and Alam Wakaka, winner of So You Think You Can Dance Malaysia 2007.

Happy lot: Azizul (back row) with the champions The Hype and Mumbles, the tap-dancing penguin from Happy Feet.

Adding to the fun were performances by DJ Coex & ABeatC, and Roving Team Roller Blade Girls. The judges also had their moment in the limelight, performing in the Judges Showcase and giving the young dancers goals to aspire for.

Performances in the competition were judged based on technique, choreography, wardrobe and props, entertainment element and overall performances. Groups were selected during the preliminary rounds and put through to the grand finale.

The Hype impressed the judges with their unique portrayal of free-style dance which won them the competition. They danced away with a RM2,000 prize and Happy Feet Two premiums worth RM1,000. Other groups also wowed the crowd with their moves and Predacon Squad was the first runners-up. They received RM500 and Happy Feet Two premiums worth RM800. Meanwhile, the second runners-up Eximius Dancers walked away with RM500 and Happy Feet Two premiums worth RM600. Twelve other deserving groups also received consolation prizes consisting of movie tickets and Happy Feet Two premiums worth RM300.

e@Curve centre manager Azizul Hisham Ahmad, said: “It was a great turnout and we were pleased to see the children as well as the audience enjoying themselves. e@Curve is glad to celebrate the upcoming release of Happy Feet Two, given the popularity of the first movie. We look forward to doing more activities like this in the future, where we can interact with the shoppers and hold exciting competitions such as this.”

As the icing on the cake, Mumbles, the adorable tap-dancing penguin from the first Happy Feet movie and also starring in the upcoming sequel, made a special stage appearance alongside his son Erik.

The crowd, especially the children, were overjoyed to be able to interact with the characters during the meet and greet sessions.