International Popping Battle Events That You Shouldn’t Miss!
Popping, a dynamic dance style that originated from funk and soul music in the 1970s, has evolved into a global phenomenon with vibrant competitions that showcase its creativity, precision, and energetic style. Here’s a roundup of some of the most prestigious international popping battle events that any dance enthusiast should have on their radar:
Dassy Lee at Summer Dance Forever 2016
1. Summer Dance Forever Netherlands
Popping Category
Summer Dance Forever is a renowned international street dance festival held annually in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It features a wide range of dance styles, including popping, with top dancers from around the world competing and performing. The Paradiso venue offers an intimate space with a high-quality sound system, making the event unforgettable. The festival also includes workshops, parties, showcases, and theatre performances, making it a must-attend event.
Link: Summer Dance Forever
2. Juste Debout
France
2 on 2 Popping Category
Juste Debout is one of the largest street dance competitions in the world, held in Paris, France. It includes a popping category where dancers compete in pairs (2 on 2 format). Juste Debout emphasizes creativity and originality, with dancers showcasing their skills in an electrifying atmosphere.
3. Step Ya Game Up
New York, USA
Popping Category
Step Ya Game Up is a notable event in the heart of New York City, dedicated to street dance styles including popping. It attracts top dancers from across the United States and beyond, offering intense battles and a platform for emerging talents to shine.
Link: Step Ya Game Up
4. Keep on Dancing
China
Popping Category
Keep on Dancing is a prominent popping battle event held in China, and worldwide showcasing the country's growing street dance scene. It brings together dancers from various regions of China and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the artistry of popping.
Link: Keep on Dancing
5. Freestyle Session
Los Angeles, USA
Popping Category
Freestyle Session is a legendary hip hop and street dance event held in Los Angeles, California. While it features multiple styles, the popping category is a highlight, attracting top dancers who compete in intense battles and exhibitions.
Link: Freestyle Session
6. Samurai (Shirofes)
Japan
Popping Category
Samurai, also known as Shirofes, is a prestigious popping battle event held in Japan, known for its high level of competition and artistic expression. It gathers top dancers from Japan and international guests, showcasing cutting-edge performances and battles.
7. Radikal Forze Jam
Southeast Asia
All Style
Radikal Forze Jam is a major urban dance event held annually in Singapore, attracting dancers from across Southeast Asia and beyond. While it features all styles of urban dance, its popping battles are particularly competitive and draw a diverse range of talents.
Link: Radikal Forze Jam
8. Old School Night
Osaka, Japan
Popping Category
Old School Night in Osaka, Japan, is dedicated to celebrating the roots and history of popping. It features battles and showcases that pay homage to the pioneers of the dance style, while also highlighting contemporary interpretations and innovations.
Link: Old School Night
9. Line Up
Seoul, Korea
Popping Category
Line Up is a popular Street Dance Battle event in Seoul, South Korea, renowned for its energetic atmosphere and intense competition. This popular battle draws dancers from around the world, making it a must-visit event. It attracts top talent from Korea and beyond, highlighting the latest trends and styles in popping.
Link: Line Up
10. Feel the Funk
Seoul, Korea
Popping Category
Feel the Funk is another exciting popping battle event held in Seoul, South Korea, emphasizing musicality, creativity, and technical skill. It serves as a platform for dancers to express themselves and push the boundaries of the art form.
Link: Feel the Funk
11. Hipopsession
France
Popping Category
Hipopsession is a renowned Street dance festival held annually in France, featuring various street dance styles including popping. It combines battles, showcases, and workshops, attracting dancers and enthusiasts from around the world.
Link: Hipopsession
12. Red Bull Dance Your Style
Worldwide
All Style
Red Bull Dance Your Style is a unique global dance competition that travels to different cities around the world. While it includes all styles of dance, including popping, its format emphasizes spontaneity and audience participation, making each event unforgettable.
Link: Red Bull Dance Your Style
13. JOAT Festival
Montreal, Canada
Popping Category
JOAT Festival in Montreal, Canada, is a vibrant celebration of urban arts and culture, featuring diverse dance battles and showcases. While it encompasses various styles, including popping, it is known for its inclusive atmosphere and community spirit.
Link: JOAT Festival
14. Flava of the year “FOTY”
Los Angeles, USA
Popping Category
The Gr818ers was founded in 2010 by youth as a collective of artists, athletes and activists dedicated to improving social conditions in their community. The "818" area code represents their pride in the San Fernando Valley as a global cultural force. They seasonally deliver a popping battle. Check out their Instagram for more info!
Link: Gr818ers
15. Book of Styles
Washington DC, USA
Popping Category
Book of Styles began in 2012 to preserve and cultivate the traditions of Boogaloo/Popping through research and education of past, present, and future communities. What makes this event special is that it challenges dancers to battle using specific dance styles (tutting, footwork, robot, wave, etc.), encouraging them to master the fundamentals and push each other to explore these styles deeply. This approach fosters innovative dance forms and brings out the best in the participants.
Link: Book Of Styles
16. Infinite Force Camp
Poland
Popping Category + All Styles Category
Infinite Force Camp is where technique meets innovation. Known for its intensive workshops and cutting-edge choreography, this event offers both popping and all style categories, drawing dancers from Asia and beyond.
Link: Infinite Force Camp
17. Ladies of Hip Hop
New York, USA
Popping Category
Ladies of Hip Hop isn't just about dance; it's about Female empowerment. This event celebrates women in hip-hop culture, featuring workshops, performances, and competitions. While primarily focused on Hip-Hop, popping enthusiasts will find ample inspiration here.
Link: Ladies Of Hip Hop
17. Out Of the Shadows
Chicago, USA
Popping Category
Out of the Shadows is the premier popping event in the Midwest. The event serves as an authentic representation of Black American culture and its impact, facilitating cultural exchange across diverse regions. With an emphasis on elevating the Midwest and Chicago popping scene, Out of the Shadows provides a pivotal platform for local artists and acts as a gateway for the public to learn about the rich culture of American street dance styles. More than a mere spectacle, the event is an immersive experience where attendees are active participants surrounded by dance, music, and art.
Link: Out of the Shadows
Getting Ready to Battle?
These international popping battle events not only showcase the incredible talent and creativity of dancers worldwide but also provide platforms for cultural exchange and the evolution of urban dance. Whether you’re a dancer looking to compete or a fan eager to witness the excitement, these events offer an unforgettable experience that celebrates the artistry and passion of popping dance culture.
For more one on one training with Dassy, be sure to sign up for a Membership today to train for your next competition!
