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For the first time, Mangawhai Beach School will enter a hip hop crew in the prestigious Zespri AIMS Games, Australasia’s largest junior sporting event, to be held in Tauranga from August 30 to September 5.
The school’s inaugural crew is made up of nine talented girls aged 11 to 12, all in the intermediate age group. This year’s competition will see a record-breaking 14,022 competitors, with the Mangawhai crew among 44 hip hop teams vying for the top spot.
Their two-minute routine will feature multiple styles of hip hop and be judged on choreography, technique, timing, performance intensity and creativity.
Coaches Tori Thomas and Alex Harris are leading the team, supported by manager Sara Allen and a hired choreographer. With no dedicated dance studio in Mangawhai, the team has been rehearsing in the school hall – without mirrors or professional flooring – making their commitment and progress even more impressive.
“This is a completely new sport for our school,” Allen says. “The girls are so dedicated and excited to represent Mangawhai on such a big stage.”
To make the dream a reality, the school needs to raise $50,000 to cover costs for all teams, with about $8000 earmarked for the hip hop group. The funds will go toward studio hire in Auckland, choreography fees, costumes, accommodation, transport, food and entry fees.
“Support from the community will be crucial in getting the girls to the Games,’ Allen says. “And with their energy and determination, Mangawhai’s debut crew is ready to make a lasting impression.”
Mangawhai Beach will be fielding its largest team ever at this year’s games, with 57 students competing in football, rippa, netball, hip hop, basketball, orienteering, cross country rogaine sprint, swimming, golf, mountain biking, surfing and squash.
Fundraiser
A Paint & Sip evening will be held in the Taproom in Mangawhai on Thursday July 17, from 6pm-8pm. The two-hour guided painting class for ladies only will be run by Tori Thomas and proceeds will go towards the hip hop team’s AIMS tournament costs. Tickets cost $95 and are available by contacting the school.
