HipHop Rules
HipHop Rules
HipHop Rules
Hip Hop International is represented by official licensees throughout the world who respect the origins of hip
hop and who conduct their events and competitions under the auspices of Hip Hop International and who
qualify street dancers and dance crews to represent their country in Hip Hop International’s World Hip Hop
Dance Championship and World Battles: Bboy, Popping, Locking and All Styles.
Contact Information
Mailing address: 8033 Sunset Boulevard, #920, Los Angeles, California 90046
Telephone: 323.850.3777 Fax: 323.850.7795
Email: [email protected] Website: www.hiphopinternational.com
My Space: www.myspace.com/hiphopinternational
Facebook ‐ www.facebook.com/hiphopinternational
Twitter – wwww.twitter.com/hhiworlds
Youtube – www.youtube.com/officialhhi
Composition of a Crew
A crew consists of a minimum five (5) to a maximum of eight (8) members. The members of the crew may be
made up of any combination of males and females within the defined age divisions.
Age Divisions
Junior: Ages seven (7) to twelve (12)
Varsity: Ages thirteen (13) to seventeen (17)
Adult: Ages eighteen (18) and older
Example: A 12‐year‐old turning 13 within the competition year (by 12/31) may compete in the Junior or Junior
Varsity division. Likewise a 17‐year‐old turning 18 within the competition year (by 12/31) can compete as a
Varsity or Adult.
Age Requirement
1. Each Participant’s proof of age will be validated by submitting to the event organizer, prior to a local or
national competition, a current driver’s license, birth certificate copy, student ID and/or passport indicating
date of birth. For international/world competition a copy of a birth certificate or passport are required.
2. A crewmember whose age falls between two age divisions in the competition year (ending December 31) may
compete in either division within that year.
3. Up to two members in a crew may compete up into an older age division but no crewmember may compete in
a younger age division.
Participation Limit
A crewmember may not compete in more than one (1) crew per age division per competition.
Competition Floor
The standard competition floor is 30’ x 30’ (9.1 meters x 9.1 meters) for all championship events. The
competition organizer may adjust the size of the performance floor and must notify all participants in advance
of the competition. Under no circumstance will the competition floor be less than 20’ deep x 30’ wide (6.1
meters x 9.1 meters).
Attire*
Attire may include accessories such as hats, caps, gloves, scarves, jewelry, etc. Removing pieces of clothing
during the performance is permitted provided it is not offensive or out of character. Discarded clothing should
be placed outside the competition area and never thrown off the stage into the audience. Appropriate under
garments must be worn by all crewmembers both male and female, at all times. Clothing too short and/or too
tight will be scrutinized and may be deemed inappropriate especially for overexposure of certain areas of the
body and/or age appropriateness. Body oils, body or face paints or other substances applied to the body or
clothing that may affect the clean dry surface of the stage and the safety of fellow competitors are prohibited.
Crews may wear dance/stomp boots, sneakers or athletic sport shoes. All footwear must have clean, non‐scuff
soles (street shoes, dress shoes, high heels and street boots are not acceptable). Tap shoes, jazz shoes and bare
feet are prohibited.
Props
Props that are not considered an integral part of a crew’s “attire” are prohibited (i.e. canes, chairs, tambourines,
musical instruments). Kneepads or any other performing apparatus to aid in the safety and proper execution of
a move is allowed but concealed, when possible, so as not to detract from the performance or the judges’
concentration on the performance. When in doubt contact Hip Hop International for clarification.
Medical Attention
1. It is the responsibility of the crew, coach or crew administrator to report a crewmember’s injury or illness to
the event organizer(s).
2. If at any time prior to or during competition a crewmember is ill, injured, or his/her physical or emotional
condition is at risk by participating, he/she may be declared ineligible to compete, or disqualified from
competing further. The competition organizer(s) reserves the right to withdraw any competitor who appears to
have such serious disability or injury or needs medical attention.
3. The competition organizer(s) reserves the right to request the submittal of a physician’s written
authorization for a crewmember to compete who is deemed medically or emotionally at risk by the competition
organizer.
©2011 Hip Hop International. All rights reserved. 3
Technical Equipment/Sound and Lighting
1. The audio/visual equipment must provide professional standard sound and lighting quality for the crews and
spectators.
2. The event should include an amplifier, mixing board, CD player and a minimum of four (4) sound speakers:
two (2) on stage directed at the performers, and two (2) directed to the audience.
3. Speed control (pitch) of the musical equipment is not guaranteed.
Competition Rounds
The World Hip Hop Dance Championship is conducted in three (3) rounds of competition preliminary,
semifinal and final.
Routine Changes
A crew may re‐choreograph or change their original routine when advancing from one round of competition to
another.
Performance Order
1. Performance order for the Preliminary round is determined by a random computer drawing conducted by the
event organizer.
2. The performance order for the Semifinals is determined by a random computer drawing conducted by the
event organizer.
3. The Final round of the competition will include the crews who qualified in the semifinals plus the defending
champion(s)*, when applicable. The defending champion(s) will automatically advance to the Final round
without having to compete in the Preliminary round. However, the defending champion(s) must perform their
routine in the Semifinal round and receive a score. The defending champions placement order in the Final
round is last to compete.
*The defending champion(s) may return to defend their title. The defending champion(s) is the winning “gold
medal” crew from the previous year’s championship.
Feedback
Following the posting of the results and at a time determined by the event organizer, crews who have been
eliminated from the competition may be invited to meet with a representative(s) of the judging committee for a
review and critique of their routine (time permitting). One crewmember and their coach or choreographer may
take part in the feedback session. The feed back session (lasting approximately 10 minutes) is offered as
positive reinforcement and a means to assist crews for future competitions. The judge representative may
immediately cancel the session if crewmembers become argumentative or disrespectful of the process.
Varsity and Adult Divisions: The routine’s length for varsity and adult crews is two (2) minutes. A grace
period of five (5) seconds plus or minus is allowed resulting in a minimum of one minute fifty five seconds
(1:55) and a maximum of two minutes five seconds (2:05).
©2011 Hip Hop International. All rights reserved. 5
Timing begins with the first audible sound (includes cueing beep) and ends with the last audible sound. Routine
length (music) that is less than (<) one minute fifty‐five seconds (1:55) or is greater than (>) two minutes five
seconds (2:05) for varsity and adult and is less than (<) one minute twenty‐five seconds (1:25) or is greater
than (>) one minute thirty‐five seconds (1:35) for junior crews will result in a deduction.
Creativity (10%)
Choreographing and presenting your routine in a unique and one of a kind way with signature moves and
combinations of moves that are yours alone. Original ways to go to the floor, getting up from the floor,
transitions and music editing that sets you apart from the other routines. Be special, different and fresh with all
aspects of your routine.
Musicality (10%)
Performance and choreography corresponding to timing and music usage and the crew’s ability to perform
simultaneously to the music. Movements and patterns performed to the simulated sounds of the crewmembers
in the absence of recorded music (e.g., foot stomping, hand clapping, vocals, etc.) will also be considered
musicality and judged similarly.
Musicality Beat Technique/Syncopation ‐ The movements within the routine must demonstrate musical
structure and style, i.e., using rhythmic variations emphasizing upbeat, downbeat, tempo and accents in single,
double, halftime and syncopated musical patterns.
Musicality Moves Related to Music Staying in time with the music, moving to the beat of the music, and using
identifiable phrases to construct the routine’s choreography.
Synchronization/Timing (10%)
The movements of the crewmembers are performed in sync; the range of movement, speed, timing and
execution of moves are performed by all members in unison. Peel off or in cannon movements are allowable.
Additional consideration and awarding of difficulty points is given to crews who attempt difficult moves with all
or most of their members. Example: a crew of five who all attempt and clearly accomplish a breaking move will
score higher than if only two members attempt and complete the move. Further, if the same crew correctly
performs locking, popping and breaking styles they will score higher in difficulty than a crew of 5 when they
demonstrate the breaking move.
Crews should include in their performance a broad selection of street dance styles selected from the list
provided without excessive use of the same move or patterns. A varied range of styles should be shown in the
choreography of arm, leg, and body movements.
The following are a list of Street Dance Styles from early foundation to present*:
Locking
Popping
Bboying/Bgirling (breaking)
Wacking/Punking
Vogueing
House Dance
Party Dances or Club Dances (popular or trendy dances)
Hip Hop Dance/Choreography
Krumping
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Stepping/Gumboots
Traditional dance and folklore is welcome and considered part of a street dance routine.
To develop a winning routine CAREFULLY choose street dance styles that best represent your crew’s strong
points and the flavor of its personality. Crews are encouraged to be fresh, imaginative and innovative in their
choreography and to follow their own style and identity.
Within the 20 seconds for Juniors and 30 seconds for Varsity and Adult, uninterrupted music segments of a
routine, crews are encouraged to showcase choreography using continuous upper and lower body dance
movement throughout the segment. This is a minimum – crews may extend this throughout the performance.
Avoid following or being influenced by past World Champions’ routines. There is no distinct model for a
winning routine. What is considered unique and special one year may be considered overused the next year.
HHI judges seek performances that are different, new, original and showcase a variety of authentic urban street
dance styles. Be yourself and express your crew’s diversity with passion, intensity and style.
A winning routine must include an ample amount of dance. Do not make the mistake, of using too many songs
and incorporating too many sound effects as it often inhibits dance performance. Editing the music excessively
or adding too many sound effects can prohibit phrasing, 8 counts and musicality. The songs in a routine are
meant to leave a lasting impression or express a musical theme allowing for clean uninterrupted dance. Over
usage of edits and sound effects often leads to a no music no dance outcome. Be cautious and preserve the
musicality of your routine.
Frequently overlooked or forgotten by crews is finding “The Groove”. The groove is the dancer’s reaction to the
beat and the undertone of the music. It helps a dancer to improvise and express their dancing more from the
inside out. The groove exists in all types of music and dance and certainly within all styles of street dance. It’s
what makes the dance “funky”. Find the groove in your music and express it in your crew’s routine. It’s another
opportunity to showcase the dance and be rewarded by the judges.
Crews should consider including fewer street dance styles in their routines and executing them perfectly rather
than performing more with the possibility of poor execution. The minimum number of street dance styles is 3.
Don’t risk a lower score by attempting a greater variety that are improperly performed.
Judges will assess the abilities of the crew through the weakest crewmember. Crews should be aware that
having a younger member that isn’t clearly as strong as his/her crewmembers may lower the crew’s overall
score.
The inclusion of a reasonable usage of traditional (cultural) dances and folklore to enhance individuality and
further identify the crew is allowable and welcomed – examples: Salsa, Capoeira, Bollywood, etc..
Moves performed in a routine (that require preparation into the move e.g., back flip) will be considered tricks
with no values awarded unless they are preceded, followed and integrated within the hip hop dance
choreography. The inclusion of TRICKS (a practice established by the use of specialized skills representative of
a particular field of activity which does not conform to hip hop dance e.g., gymnastics) may add to the overall
production of a routine, but may not place it higher than another crew’s routine. No special points will be
awarded for the inclusion “specifically “ of tricks but using them to heighten the routine’s theme, personality
and excitement is an allowable risk.
Crews are permitted to use more than one routine or variations of the same routine to an HHI championship
event. Keeping the routine fresh when performed in front of the same panel of judges throughout preliminary,
semifinal and final rounds is acceptable and encouraged.
List of Deductions
PERFORMANCE
All crewmembers not on stage for the opening of the performance or for exiting during or re‐entering the stage
during the routine 1.0
Late Start ‐ failure to appear on stage within 20 seconds of being announced .05
Grandstanding .05
Pre start ‐ pre‐performance display greater than ten (10) seconds .05
Fall trip or stumble/per occurrence – Major .1
Fall trip or stumble/per occurrence – Minor .05
False start/unsubstantiated .1
MUSIC
Junior Division Routine length (not 1:25‐1:35) .1
Varsity and Adult Division Routine length (not 1:55‐2:05) .1
Contains inappropriate language .1
No inclusion of continuous uninterrupted music segment .15
PROHIBITED MOVES
Lewd gestures, comments or movements/per occurrence .05
ATTIRE
Use of props .1
Clothing or props tossed into audience .05
Clothing/shoes inappropriate .05
Attire not intact (untied laces /clothing articles) .05
Use of body oils, paints or other substances that affect the performance area .05
Late Start
A crew who fails to appear on stage and strike a starting position within twenty (20) seconds after being called
will be deemed a late start and receive a deduction.
Pre Start
A pre start occurs when prior to taking the start position; the crew demonstrates excessive introductions or
displays for longer than ten (10) seconds after all crewmembers have entered the stage. A deduction will be
given.
No Show
A crew who fails to appear on the stage and initiate the starting position within sixty (60) seconds after being
called will be declared a “no show” and disqualified.
Grandstanding
Grandstanding is a post performance display or posing at the end of the routine. A deduction will be given.
Falls
1. Major Fall
a. A Crewmember(s) falls from a lift or support that is unrecoverable.
b. A Crewmember falls during the performance that is unrecoverable.
2. Minor Fall
a. A highly noticeable, accidental error during the performance that is recoverable.
b. A Crewmember stumbles, trips, or falls during the performance that is recoverable.
2. Skill Judges
a. Evaluate and score the routine according to Skill criteria for Hip‐Hop Dance: Musicality, Synchronization,
Execution and Difficulty.
3. Head Judge
a. The Head Judge may or may not score the crews’ routines. The Head Judge’s overall responsibilities are to
facilitate and oversee the fair and accurate performance of all members of the judges’ panel and assess all
discrepancies, penalties, deductions, and disqualifications. A judge may be removed and replaced from the
panel by the Head Judge for due cause. The Head Judge may also assist in the judges’ training especially as it
relates to the identification and demonstration of the ten (10) official street dance styles.
b. The Head Judge’s duties specific to the performance of a routine include:
i. Confirm the performance and proper execution of street dance styles.
ii. Assess if prohibited moves are performed
iii. Identify and evaluate minor and/or major “falls”
iv. Evaluate stage entry and exit, late start, pre start, grand standing and routine interruption
v. Assess if there are attire violations
vi. Assess music violations including inappropriate language and music length
vii. Screening and selection of judges
4. Technical Director
The duties of the Technical Director include educating and training the judges on HHI’s Rules and Regulations
and assisting the head judge in assessing the fair and accurate judging, scoring and results from the panel of
judges. The Panel Director’s specific duties include:
i. Managing the scheduled activities of the panel
ii. Coordinating the crew feedback sessions
iii. Programming, teaching and administering the judges’ training workshop
iv. Facilitating the draw for the crew ‘s order of competition
v. Posting the scores and results for public viewing.
vi. Screening and selection of judges
vii. Managing questions and queries
viii. Conduct post competition meeting with delegation representatives
Tie Scores
Tie scores will be broken by the following order:
1. The crew(s) with the highest Performance score
2. The crew(s) with the highest Skill score.
3. An analysis of the judges’ ordinal ranking.
Protests
Protests are prohibited and will not be accepted regarding any score or result of a decision.
Awards Ceremony
The competition will conclude with a ceremony honoring the crews with the highest total scores. Medals,
trophies, ribbons, and/or prizes will be awarded to at least the top three crews in each category of competition.