THE Northern Marianas will be represented in the 2018 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.

Saipan Music and Dance Studio organization president Ester Sablan said this will be the second time that they are sending local dancers to the event. The first was in 2016.

“We join not only to compete but also for the world to recognize our island-home, the CNMI,” she added.

The competition is a great opportunity for local dancers to showcase their talent, she said. They will compete with dancers from 60 countries including the United States this year.

“Our dancers are now ready — they have been practicing since October last year,” Sablan said.

The dancers led by Cire Durano will leave today, Friday. The competition is scheduled for Aug. 5 to 11.

Sablan said she is confident that the Saipan crew will do well in the competition, adding that Durano’s experience and skills are a big help to the group.

Durano and his group in the Philippines participated in a hip hop competition in Australia. He recently won a silver medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Long Beach, California.

“Cire [Durano] will choreograph the group while Jowel [Vallega] will supervise,” Sablan said as she thanked all those who extended financial assistance to the group. These included Saipan World Resort, IT&E, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Robert Hunter,  Arts Council Director Yobie Parker, Gov. Ralph D.L.G. Torres, Press Secretary Kevin Bautista, Sen. Sixto Igisomar, Rep. Donald Barcinas, Sen. Justo Quitugua, Ernie Molina, Sheryl Salalila and the parents of the dancers.

 

 

Full Story: http://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/106465-saipan-dancers-to-join-world-hip-hop-dance-competition