Hip-hop champs head to Portugal

Paul Hawaikirangi and Kylah Ashwell won the adult duo category at the Hip Hop Unite national competition and are heading to Portugal for the worlds. They also came second in the hip-hop freestyle category. Picture supplied

Gisborne dancers took the top honours at the Hip Hop Unite National Dance competition held in Wellington this month.

Proud pair Kylah Ashwell and Paul Hawaikirangi were declared winners in the adult duo category, while also coming second in the hip-hop freestyle category.

The duo had travelled to Lower Hutt with the aim to “express and impress” in the two-day competition held on June 9  and 10. Their mesmerizing win now qualifies them for Hip Hop Unite International 2023 competition in Obidus, Portugal.

Talking about their dance background, Hawaikirangi said he was a self taught dancer.

“I pretty much watch videos on Youtube and try to emulate the dance moves. I especially love watching Michael Jackson do all those cool moves. He is definitely one of my inspirations to keep dancing.”

His partner in dance, Ashwell says she has been dancing on and off since 2008.

“I used to be a part of Dancefit Studios, but later on I decided to join forces with Paul with whom I have been dancing for four years.

“Together we have performed in many

hows including Chicago this year and are already set to choreograph the next show, School of Rock, which premieres inNovember.”

Although the couple met in 2016 and soon made up their minds to collaborate, the duo had known each other for years through school events.

“Paul went to Gisborne Boys’ High and I was at  Gisborne Girls’ High. Sometimes we used to have shows where both the schools came together. So that’s how we met,” Ashwell said.

She describes meeting Hawaikirangi in 2019 as “sort of an inspiration” to keep wearing her dancing shoes.

“As we shared more time with each other, especially as a dancing couple, we thought why not put our talents to good use and challenge ourselves on a national level.”

Ashwell says they came to know about the Wellington competition through social media, and are now looking forward for their trip to America in a few weeks time.

“Our friends in Hastings have a dance school called Respect Dance Academy in Los Angeles. So we are going to a bunch of hip hop workshops and hope to connect with like minded people.”

The couple are also known by their duo name “98 cents to Worlds” and their journey can be followed on their facebook page https://tinyurl.com/4typapxx

To help them in their upcoming trip to Portugal visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/98-cents-to-worlds