Break The Beat
Popping and locking takes centre stage on new reality dance show Break The Beat.
Hip-hop isn’t just about music – on talent search show Break The Beat (2017- current), it’s about finding the freshest new dance acts and giving them to platform to build a career. The R100 000 cash prize isn’t anything to sneeze at, but “living the lifestyle” is at the show’s core, explains producer Dean Thompson. “We are giving the contestants the freedom to stay true to their styles while showcasing their techniques”. The show bosses have also made sure that they have a presenter who knows about beats: rapper Fifi Cooper. “I’m excited to be part of the show. I’m new to the presenting scene and I’m enjoying interacting with the dancers and getting to know them on and off stage,” she says.
REAL DEAL
Unlike other talent contests, Break The Beat is moving and grooving around the country rather than filming on a set in one city. Each episode follows crews from two provinces as they do battle on the dancefloor and they’re not just performing tried-and-tested routines. The crews are required to compile new moves before the stopwatch runs out and there will be different themes every week. “We wanted to stay true to hip-hop in our themes and reflect an urban street vibe,” says Dean, who’s placed obstacles along the way. “We have unexpected twists throughout the challenges and we want to see how the crews interpret and work around them.”
SIDE BY SIDE
Fifi isn’t the only famous face – choreographer-to-the-stars Courtnae Paul is the sole judge who’ll give crews the thumbs up or down after the rounds. “These ladies encapsulate the local hip-hop scene and understand the dance style,” says Dean. Plus, celebrity choreographers like Paul Modjadji and Brandon Peterson will be popping in to mentor and encourage the dancers as they put their best feet forward. “They give it their all. There were times when we got out of our seats for incredible performances,” says Dean.