Budiey
Astro Battleground 2011 2nd Preliminary Round:
Katoon Network impresses audience with powerful dance moves
Following the awesome performances by the ‘Astro Battleground 2011’s group A contestants, 7 teams under group B continued to battle at e@Curve in the 2nd preliminary round. Katoon Network and Oh My Goodness presented their extraordinary dance coupled with outstanding choreography. Panel judges praised both teams and were really looking forward to their next performance. The journey ended for D8 Century after battling with Coming Soon in the last session.
“Although the rehearsals just begun about 2 to 3 months ago, we are satisfied with the growth gained during the competition,” the all-female team, D8 Century said. ‘Astro Battleground 2011’ preliminary rounds consist of 7 teams in group A and B. The selected theme was ‘My First…’which allowed teams to display their creativity through various types of hip hop street dance: break dance, popping, locking, whacking, vogue, new school hip hop, old school hip hop and even a combination of all. During the battle sessions, the teams were given 3 songs which each were 30 seconds long. The last 2 teams from each preliminary round will battle it out in the next level.
In addition, contestants had to battle out an ad hoc performance with their opponents using the given music in 30 seconds. No bodily contact was allowed during this session. The talented line up of judges include, Aga a.k.a. Swiftlocker, a dancing teacher from Taiwan; Loose Joint, a freestyle United States Hip Hop legend; and an international judge, BooGTom from Korea. Performances were judged on creativity, original choreography, attentiveness to the music rhythm and synchronization of dance moves.
During the 2nd preliminary round, 20 cents performed their chosen title, ‘My First Music Box’, all beautifully dolled up and fired the stage with their powerful robotic moves. D8 Century were slightly nervous due to their lack of experience on stage when they performed their title, ‘My First Fantasy Ang Pau’. Oh My Goodness blew the crowd away with their incredible performance in ‘My First most inner Fear’. Katoon Network, the former 2009 Battleground champion were back! They performed ‘My First Trip to Brazil’, which had a Barcelona touch. Loose Joint said, “I really enjoyed watching this performance. You guys always surprise me. Well done!”.
Boojae, the captain of the 2nd runner up team in 2010, returned with a newly formed team called 2nd Floor. Despite having only two dancers, they were well-experienced and were ready to compete with others. In the second preliminary round, Coming Soon battled with D8 Century in the last session, and won.
The selected top 12 teams from the 1st and 2nd preliminary round of ‘Astro Battleground 2011’ were Chique De Luxe, LA Sista, 20 cents, Oh My Goodness, Freshype, Floor Digital, FIX, Le’z, Coming Soon, Katoon Network, Dem Lepak Boyz, and 2nd Floor. These teams were chosen by the talented panel of judges, Aga a.k.a. Swiftlocker, Loose Joint; the founder of hip hop street dance, and BooGTom from Korea. They will showcase their dancing skills and continue to charm the judges in the next preliminaries.
‘Astro Battleground 2011’ is produced by Astro Ben Di Quan. Canon is the main sponsor for the show, Giordano, as the co-sponsor; official Radio Station, MY FM; official make-up sponsor, Diva production; official hairdo sponsor, Miko Hair Studio & Academy and A|X Armani Exchange, as the official apparels sponsor for the host.
To keep the hip-hop street dance spirit going, catch ‘Astro Battleground 2011’ exclusively on Astro Wah Lai Toi (CH 311) every Saturday beginning 29th October at 7.00pm. For more information, log on to the official website www.facebook.com/astrobattleground.
