TicketINg
The Zespri AIMS Games Hip Hop performances are a ticketed event. Spectator tickets go on sale Wednesday 29 July 2026. Tickets can be purchased via the ‘Shop’ tab on the Zespri AIMS Games website.
Performers, team managers, and choreographers do not require tickets.
Details for Hip Hop Finals
Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
Venue: Mercury Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui
Box Office opens: 2:45 PM
Doors open to the public: 3:15 PM
Performances: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ticket Prices: Adult $15 | Child $10 | Zespri AIMS Games athletes competing in other sporting codes $5 + booking fees ($1.15)
Backstage Access
- Each competing team is permitted competitors plus three additional people only in the crew rooms and backstage areas.
- These three may include teachers, managers, and/or choreographers.
- All other supporters must purchase a spectator ticket.
Hip Hop Requirements
- Attire should be reflective of Funk and Hip Hop style. No revealing clothing to be worn.
- Footwear must be clean. No bare feet.
- The competition performance area will be 10 metres wide by 8 metres deep on a wooden stage floor (no gym mats).
- Music must be between one minute thirty seconds and two minutes long (1:30 – 2:00). It can be either instrumental or have words.
- Teams are required to supply their own music (No CDs will be accepted – only uploaded links to Dropbox). Music must be clearly labelled with school and performance group name.
- Music must be suitable for general audience viewing and must not contain inappropriate or offensive language. Please consider the messaging and themes of the music used for age-appropriateness.
Choreography:
- Choreography should reflect the authenticity of urban street dancing. You must show a minimum of three hip hop dance styles.
- Dance styles can include but are not limited to Locking, Boogaloo, Popping, Breaking, Waacking, Punking, Vogue, House Dance, Party Dances, Hip Hop Dance, Choreography, Krump, Stepping.
- In this section we will be taking into consideration the choreography and movements used for age-appropriateness. Over sexualisation of movements are not appropriate.
Technique / Skill / Execution:
- Crews should attempt and successfully achieve complex choreography and demonstrate a variety of hip hop dance styles executed correctly showing an understanding of the foundations.
Musicality / Synchronisation / Timing:
- Movements should be chosen to relate to the music.
- Dancers should aim to stay in time with the music, moving to the beat and using identifiable phrases to construct the routine’s choreography.
Performance Intensity and Presentation:
- Dancers should aim to perform the routine entirely without showing any tiredness or lack of energy.
- Attitude and energy should reflect a street style.
- Projection of the crew members should be consistently strong throughout the entire performance, with confidence measured by eye contact, body movement and facial expression.
Originality and Creativity:
- Crews should aim to leave a lasting impression.
- Choreography should include unique ways to get down onto and off the floor, transitions, music editing, clothing and the unique look that sets you apart from the other routines.
- Be fresh with all aspects of your routine.
- Urban Dance Youth Trust can network you with experienced choreographers to talk to or to assist with creating your performance piece.
A programme for the Hip Hop crews order will be emailed to all managers prior to the event.
Music
For planning purposes all high-quality music for Hip Hop sets must be uploaded to the Dropbox File Request Folder - HERE
Judges
Hip Hop will have three experienced judges which will be chosen by the Code Coordinator.
Explanation For Judging Criteria
Choreography - 15%
Choreography should be interesting, unique and one of a kind. Crews should use signature moves and combinations of moves that are yours alone. These marks basically are being given for WHAT you do. Remember to include lots of dancing! You should also be including an awareness of spacing: particularly in full use of the stage, with different and complex formations, interactive partner moves and patterns, and use of the different levels (floor, standing and air).
Technique / Skill / Execution - 20%
These marks are allocated for HOW you dance. Consideration is given to the number of crew members who attempt and successfully complete complex choreography and who demonstrate a variety of dance styles executed correctly showing an understanding of the foundations of hip hop.
Musicality/Synchronisation/Timing - 20%
Musicality is where the movements chosen relate to the music. The dancers are staying in time with the music, moving to the beat of the music, and using identifiable phrases to construct the routine’s choreography. The judges will be looking for the Crews who can dance in UNISON.
Performance Intensity & Presentation - 20%
Dancers should be able to perform the routine entirely without showing any tiredness or lack of energy. Attitude and energy should reflect a street style. Projection of the crew members should be consistently strong throughout the entire routine with an uninterrupted display of confidence measured by facial expression, eye contact and body movement. The crew members should perform with enthusiasm, passion and a natural ability to “sell it” on stage.
Originality & Creativity - 15%
These points are given for the lasting impression you leave. The points can come from original ways to go to the floor, getting up from the floor, transitions, music editing, clothing and the unique look and style that sets you apart from the other routines. Be special, different and fresh with all aspects of your routine.
Audience Impact - 10%
The judges will be listening to the reactions you evoke from audience members throughout your routine. A ‘home crowd’ advantage is different to evoking a reaction from the crowd – aim to include ‘crowd pleasing’ aspects through unique movement, theme or creativity.
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