Downtown Tampa’s newest renovated theater space turned dance studio hopes to revolutionize the way dance battles are run.
Traditionally, a ballroom or swing dance studio will host a recital to allow its students to show off their work, sometimes with a competition element. In the urban and hip hop scene, their version of a recital is referred to as a battle or jam. Jamming originated as an informal show-off of dance moves in a social circle, where dancers would clear a circle and then take turns displaying their best moves. In a battle, the circle becomes more formal and individuals or pairs of dancers pair off against each other in a competition-style event.
Most battles lack an element of formality, with different dance styles competing against each other. In a desire to formalize these events,
8-Count Studios on North Franklin Street in Tampa is hosting a Layer Cake Battle on January 3.
"We want to revolutionize how battles are run," says Hope Donnelly, co-owner of 8-Count Studios.
The event is named
Layer Cake Battle because of the layered judging that will be done in rounds. Using Donnelly’s sports dance background, the studio will introduce a bracket system that will list names of dancers on a board. Dance brackets include: popping and locking, wacking and voguing, breaking, and krumping. Each winner will progress to the next level with prizes awarded in each bracket until an ultimate Best of Show winner is announced.
"Dancing is a sport, so we’re treating it like a sport," says Donnelly. "Dancers are athletes; they are competitors."
Well-known choreographers and judges will be flown in from across the country. The event will also include workshops, vendors and a concert. Cash and other prizes will be given to the winners, as well as a private brunch session with the judges.
The event is open to the public. The price of admission is $20 per person.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.