Japanese street dance groups to hit PHL in January

After gorging on delicious food during the holidays, it's time to get moving—and Dance Dance Asia is one way to start. Japan Foundation Manila is bringing three Japanese street dance groups to the country for free shows and workshops in January.

Dance Dance Asia is a long-term project of the foundation that "promotes exchange and collaboration among street dance groups in ASEAN countries," JFM said in a statement. The event, called "Dance Dance Asia – Crossing the Movements," will feature the groups s**t kingz, Tokyo Gegegay and TAPDANCERIZE in free shows at the RCBC Plaza in Makati on January 17 and 18.

Street dance—which encompasses a variety of genres, including hip-hop, jazz and contemporary dance—has become a global phenomenon, and Asians (including Filipinos) are among those who are proving to be really adept in the art form.

Formed in 2007, s**t kingz attracted a cult following after winning dance contests in California. Tokyo Gegegay was formed to compete in “Dance@Hero”, a Japanese dance competition, and ended up winning it. And TAPDANCERIZE is a trio whose moves are inspired by a range of styles including ballet, jazz dance and breakdancing.

Prior to the shows, the groups will also conduct free dance workshops on January 15 and 16 at the Steps Dance Studio in Makati City. Each group will hold one workshop session a day. According to JFM, those interested in joining the workshop must have sufficient experience and skills in street or contemporary dance. — BM, GMA News

"Dance Dance Asia – Crossing the Movements" will be at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati on January 17 at 7:30 p.m. and January 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Visit Japan Foundation, Manila's website for Dance Dance Asia videos, workshop schedules and registration details.