The Melbourne Jazz Dance Association is proud to present the 6th Australian Hellzapoppin’ Prize in 2008!
[NB: Australian Hellzapoppin' Prize Rules and Guidelines]
- 7:30pm sharp (doors open to the public 7.00pm), Friday 28th November 2008
- Ormond Hall,557 St Kilda Rd Melbourne
- $35 or free for MLX8 pass holders
- Dress to impress
The AHP is a national contest designed to encourage lindy hop in Australia. Technically allowing any move or style of swing dancing, the only real rule in the AHP is that dancers embody the spirit of lindy hop and jazz music - inspired, improvised and exciting! Rather than following a strict set of rules, judges look for musicality, partnership, repertoire, innovation and connection in the competing couples.
Prizes
In 2008 the winning couple will receive an official AHP trophy and 2 full passes to:
SWING CAMP OZ
JANUARY 25-30, 2009
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
History of the AHP
The inaugural AHP was planned by a committee of interested dancers to coincide with the 2002 Melbourne Lindy Exchange and to adhere to the rules and criteria of the Harlem Jazz Dance Festival (HJDF). The AHP follows these rules today and is endorsed by the American Institute for Vernacular Jazz Dance (AIVJD), founded by world-renowned lindy hopper Janice Wilson.
The AHP emphasises wild and fast lindy hop, no-rules dancing in the spirit of the dance competitions of the Savoy Ballroom and 1930s lindy hop. Each AHP competition sees air steps, seriously hot jazz and the burn of a dance floor on fire.
This year the MJDA hosts the competition for the first time and challenges Australian dancers to bring their very own hot stuff in competition for the Australian Hellzapoppin' Prize.
Previous AHP winners:
2007 Cathie Gough & Kieran Yee (VIC)2006 Annie Ryan & Shane McCarthy (WA)
2004 Noni Clarke & Josh McKiterick (VIC)
2003 Sarah Farrelly & Anthony Wheaton (VIC)
2002 Nicole Smith & John Tenaglia (VIC)
Competitor Information
Competitors should click here for registration and more information.
AHP Audience
Hellzapoppin' at MLX8 is not a quiet night for sitting back and relaxing - not even for the audience. The AHP asks its audiences to get involved as well. Competitors are awarded points for the 'audience feedback' - the couples who pull the crowd to their feet, have them cheering and applauding and making some serious noise will win extra points.
Because the MJDA is all about social dancing, the MLX8 Hellzapoppin' night will feature three hours of dancing to one of Australia's most experienced, most authentic Big Swing Bands - the JW Swing Orchestra. Once we've seen the finest competitive lindy hop in Australia, we'll be clearing the floor for social dancing... and reminding you that the Ormond Hall bar serves a wide range of local and imported beers from their extensive menu. Take a dance, take a drink, or take a breath of fresh air in the patio garden...
... and dress to impress at the MLX8 Hellzapoppin' competition: help us bring this special night at the Savoy to life with your finest fancy wear.