Muscat: A group of dancers from Oman, known as Kings United Muscat, are preparing to compete in the World Hip Hop International competition in the United States next week.
The Kings United Muscat team, a lively and highly skilled dance group, made up of six young talents (Tejaswini Sakhile, Shihan Shetty, Shubhra Buranpur, Jhanvi Prakash, Shaurya Sonawane, and Veer Gupta), is gearing up to compete on the international stage at the World Hip Hop International (HHI) competition.
This prestigious event is scheduled to take place from August 4 to 9, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, attracting the best hip-hop dance artists from around the globe.
A Significant Achievement
This is a significant milestone for Kings United Muscat, as it is their first chance to compete at the junior level at the HHI, often referred to as the “Olympics of Hip Hop Dance.”
The team has been working hard, perfecting their routines and pushing their physical boundaries to ensure they can compete against the world's best. However, their first appearance at the world dance championships occurred in 2022 with a group of nine young performers participating in one of the most challenging dance competitions.
Out of 62 countries competing in the varsity category, Kings United Oman ranked 32nd in the world, which is an impressive feat, according to Tejas Gupta, the director of Kings United Dance Academy Muscat.
Kings United Muscat was established in 2018 by a group of passionate dancers united by their dream to showcase their talents on international stages. Over time, the team has grown in both skill and recognition, winning numerous regional competitions and securing a spot in the global event through their consistent performance and dedication to the art of hip hop dance.
Training and Preparation
The team's journey to the HHI has been marked by intense training sessions, creative choreography, and mental strength. Under the leadership of their experienced coach Prashant Shinde, Kings United Muscat has developed a distinctive style that merges traditional cultural elements with contemporary hip hop, creating a blend that distinguishes them from their competitors.
Prashant Shinde has participated in several HHI editions and won a bronze medal in the 2015 edition for India. He was also a proud member of “World of Dance” in Los Angeles, where the Kings United Team won a gold medal by being the first to perform and also won a $1 million prize for the team Kings India under the guidance of Suresh Mukund, the founder of Kings United.
"We have been working non-stop, training 7 days a week for the past year," said Prashant, adding: “Our aim is not just to participate but to make a lasting impact.”
International Rivalry
The World Hip Hop International contest is renowned for its stringent criteria and intense rivalry. Teams from more than 60 countries will gather in Phoenix to compete across various categories, including MegaCrew, Varsity, Junior, and Adult sections. Kings United Muscat will participate in the Junior category, facing some of the world's top dance crews.
The trip to Phoenix has been made possible by strong backing and generous support from the parents of all the performers, who have supported their children through rigorous practice from 10 am to 11 pm. "We are deeply thankful for the support we've received from everyone," expressed team captain Nadeem Al Balushi, the sponsor and partner of Kings United. "It's been overwhelming, but it fuels our determination to excel on the global stage."
"We're fully committed to giving our best," stated Nadeem Al Balushi. "This is a dream realization for us, and we aim to make every dancer proud."
The World Hip Hop International contest is set to be an unforgettable event for participants and fans of dance from the area. Their involvement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the flourishing hip hop culture. As they prepare to perform in Phoenix, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their country, poised to leave a lasting impression on the international community.
