Capital gets ready to rock to Bodyrock

NEWS RELEASE

15 January 2008

Capital gets ready to rock to Bodyrock

Let the battles begin. Bodyrock, the largest break dancing event in New Zealand, will take over Civic Square on Saturday 19 January.

Now in its ninth year, Bodyrock features the best b-boy and b-girl talent from New Zealand battling for the title of supremacy. Bodyrock is part of Meridian Energy Summer City.

Event organiser Joella Wright says that Bodyrock holds broad appeal every year. "We get kids competing who live and breathe breaking - kids as young as seven have some amazing moves. We also get some great reactions from passersby or people keen to learn more about breaking and hip-hop culture. You don't have to be an expert to take part or to enjoy the incredible talent on display."

Bodyrock consists of a series of one-on-one battles, where b-boys and b-girls battle it out against whoever they want for however long they want. There is no formally organised competition, and no set rounds.

Joella says that Bodyrock returned to this traditional approach last year and it was a huge success. "It's how it was done when it first started in the cyphers. Last year was the first time battles were run at an event like this in New Zealand and it took the battling to a whole new level."

The event features b-boys and b-girls from all over New Zealand, as well as Australia, testing each others' skills, strategy and endurance. Judges decide who will advance but they can themselves step to whoever they want and battle them. Spots are always up for grabs, as even the people who are knocked out can take a spot through another battle.

Bodyrock will feature renowned b-boy Bounce, originally from Canada but now living in Japan. Bounce is part of the Boogie Bats Crew, one of the world's top b-boy crews. He has danced with famous b-boys and crews including the Rock Steady Crew, Alieness and Ken Swift. He will also be taking a b-boy workshop on Sunday 20 January.

A prize will be awarded to the top b-boy and the top b-girl of the cypher.

You might want to battle the best with a toprock that transitions into downrock, followed by a display of power moves, and finally a climactic freeze or suicide. Or you might just want to be amazed by the hot moves, rare grooves and jaw-dropping moments. All are welcome.

Bodyrock takes place in Civic Square between noon and 6pm on Saturday 19 January. Entry is free.

A Bodyrock warm-up jam will take place from 6-8.30pm on Friday 18 January on the basketball courts of Waitangi Park. This is an opportunity for b-boys and b-girls to warm up, jam and practice for the main event on Saturday as well as to mingle with one another and meet international guest b-boy Bounce. There will be a live DJ.

ENDS

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