Remy Martin Centaur Dance Showdown
It was a night
to remember at Sunway Giza recently as the finalists of the Rémy Martin Centaur
Dance Showdown each faced their challengers and sought to impress a who’s who
of judges that they were the best in all of Malaysia, and in celebration of
urban street dance.
In a recent pre-event
Press briefing just before the countdown to the showdown, Rémy Cointreau
International Malaysia General Manager, Jason Lee explained that although the
event was inaugural in Malaysia, the initial results of the programme were very
positive and pointed to the event being held again in 2013.
“The competition
which itself started in Vietnam last year, will unveil the greatest dance
talents across six countries – Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the
Philippines and India,” he added.
Ms Karen Ang, Regional Marketing Director, SEAMI (South East Asia,
Middle East & India) for Rémy Cointreau International said: “We are delighted to
provide these gifted performers with the platform from which they may showcase
their passion, creativity, refined skills and undeniable talent to both a national
and international audience.
The judges
comprising of Joel Tan, founder of Urban Groove Dance Network who pioneered the
original street and urban dance styles in Malaysia; Maple Loo, experienced
dancer, choreographer and judge on 8TV’s own dance competition Showdown and
Patricia K, seasoned performer, model, host and DJ all deliberated carefully
and after two rounds of elimination, determined the four finalists – Katoon
Network, M3EW, Moovelite and Project Elementz.
Dance group supporters
and members of the public also had a hand in choosing the winners by SMSing
their preferred team as the judges determined key criteria including overall
performance, creativity, showmanship and stage presence, synchronisation and
execution as well as musicality.
In between
tabulating the judges’ results, participating consumers stood a chance of
winning iPads, bottles of Rémy Martin VSOP Gold Limited Edition bottles and a
chance to witness the International Finals in Singapore.
The sizeable crowd
was then entertained by the unique fusion of vocal percussionist-cum-beatboxer
Shawn Lee and award-winning violinist Genervie Kam who gave a spirited and
upbeat musical performance, complementing the urban dance atmosphere. Emcee
Julie Woon managed to persuade Joel Tan to perform an impromptu and
energy-charged hip-hop routine which delighted the crowd.
In the end, Katoon
Network was a clear favourite and it was a close contest between them as well
as Project Elementz, and from the collaboration of the judges, who then placed MoovElite
third.
Katoon Network
walked away with RM10,000 and will represent Malaysia in the
International Finals in Singapore on 18 January 2013, while the second and third winners
received RM6,000 and RM3,000 respectively.
Rémy Martin’s brand
ambassador and international superstar, Jolin Tsai, is set to grace the
International Finals; lending her experience as a dancer and taking a seat at
the judging panel. As an additional treat for the expected 1,000 invited guests
and audience members, Jolin will hold a mini-concert; entertaining the crowd
with some of her greatest hits.
A grand prize of
USD$10,000 awaits the winner of the International Rémy Martin Centaur Dance
Showdown who will also walk away with the title of Asia’s Best Dance Crew!
Wanna dance too?
=D
