ABOUT
Hip Hop International was founded by Howard & Karen Schwartz in 2002 in Los Angeles, USA. The idea began when they saw street dancers captivating crowds in Paris and Tokyo. They saw the potential for the dance to reach an ever-wider audience and the opportunity to contribute to professionalising the dance form.
They developed an Olympic style judging standard in collaboration with dance originators, respected street dancers, dance professionals, and choreographers. This standardised rules and regulation is one of the things that make HHI unique and this system is used today by all HHI affiliate countries worldwide.
HHI Australia began in 2009 and is now the biggest Hip Hop dance competition in Australia. We are committed to strengthen the Australian Hip Hop dance scene by creating an avenue for healthy competition and develop further opportunities to inspire and educate the nation about our sport and art form.
COMPETITION ROUNDS
There are 3 main rounds in the competition:
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(1) STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Your journey starts here
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These events happen between Sept and April in QLD, NSW, ACT, & VIC. They are qualifiers to the National Championships. Other states that don't have a qualifier event can do an online submission. To register a crew to compete click HERE for details. To request for any assistance, message us on the CONTACT Form or email us at hiphopinternational.au@gmail.com
Get your show tickets HERE.
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(2) NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The top crews from each of the State Championship events compete here for the national title and rise as Australia’s champion
Get your show tickets HERE.
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(3) WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The top 5 crews from each of the World Qualifier Divisions at Nationals will then qualify to represent Australia at the World Championships held in August each year in the USA. It's here where the very best in the world compete for the world title.
Over four thousand dancers come together for this celebration, an event true to the real values of Hip Hop culture. Besides the championships, this week-long event includes the World Battles (Breaking, Popping, Locking, Whacking and All Style / Art Forms.) There’s also panel discussions featuring respected living legends and icons of Hip Hop dance, the Chill Down Lounge for dancing and socialising, the presentation of the Living Legend of Hip Hop Award, and the Urban Moves Dance Workshops presented by the most celebrated Hip Hop dancers and choreographers.
It is an unforgettable gathering of dancers from around the world equally passionate about Hip Hop culture and dance.
Click HERE for the World Championship website.
#GoForGold
COMPETITION DIVISIONS
There are 2 sets of divisions:
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(1) Home Divisions & (2) World Qualifier Divisions
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HOME DIVISIONS
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These divisions provide wider flexibility compared to the World Qualifier Divisions. It serves as a pathway for growth and discovery, offering dancers and crews valuable experience, recognition, and an opportunity to perform on the HHI stage. It's a qualifier for Nationals but not for Worlds.
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• Solo 10 and under | 1:30-2:45 mins ​
• Solo 12 and under | 1:30-2:45 mins ​​
• Solo 14 and under | 1:30-2:45 mins ​
• Solo 17 and under | 1:30-2:45 mins ​
• Solo 18 and older | 1:30-2:45 mins ​
• Small Crew - any age 2-4 dancers | 1:30-2:45 mins
• Big Crew Youth - 12 and under | 5 or more dancers | 2:00-4:00 mins
• Big Crew Senior - 17 and under | 5 or more dancers | 2:00-4:00 mins
• Big Crew Open - any age | 5 or more dancers | 2:00-4:00 mins
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Fees for the 2026 State Championships:
Solos = $40 per dancer
Small & Big Crews = $20 per dancer
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WORLD QUALIFIER DIVISIONS
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These divisions are qualifers for the World Championships
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• Junior - 12 and under | 5-9 dancers | 1:25-1:35 mins
• Varsity - 13-17 yrs | 5-9 dancers | 1:55-2:05 mins
• Adult - 18 and older | 5-9 dancers | 1:55-2:05 mins
• MiniCrew - all ages | 3-4 dancers | 1:25-1:35 mins
• JV MegaCrew - 17 and under | 10-40 dancers | 2:30-3:30 mins
• MegaCrew - all ages | 10-40 dancers | 3:00-4:00 mins
Fees for the 2026 State Championships = $40 per dancer
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Note: A crew member whose age falls between two age divisions in the competition year (ending December 31) may compete in either division within that year. Full competition info found on the Official Rules & Regulations. Click HERE for more information on registering your crew.
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BATTLES
In some competition seasons, we may hold a qualifier for the World Battles at our National Championship event. Stay updated on our social media to find out if and when this happens.
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The winners here will represent Australia at the World Battles in the USA.
THE TEAM
HHI Australia is hosted by Triple8Funk Entertainment under the direction of Joel Gallarde. Triple8Funk is one of the most established street dance companies in Australasia and have been active since 2001. Other projects that Triple8Funk has been involved with are Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, The National Rugby League (NRL) Half Time Show, Red Bull BBoy Battle, Jam Republic, GROUNDED: Battle of the Arts, Flash Mob Society, Pink Carpet, and more.
ONLINE COMMUNITY
Stay connected with us on our social media channels. We are found on #HHIaustralia and @HHIaustralia on Facebook and Instagram. You may also check out HHI Australian crews on our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/HHIaustralia.
