Asian-Pop Dance Competition

For Immediate Release

February 23, 2019

For ten years, one of the most popular features of the Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) has been the games and attractions.  Designed for all ages, this includes a number of activities and games inside the Activities Pavilion as well as teaching and playing of the ancient game of Go inside Asia Plaza.  Other popular activities include the AsiaTown Lolley the Trolley Tour, CAF Photo Booth, Trivia contest and the Egg Roll Eating contest.

One of the most popular has been the Asian-Pop dance competition which draws dozens of performers and hundreds of cheering fans in the audience.  The dance crews have between 2 and 10 people who either cover a dance or choreograph their own to the music of Bollywood (India), C-Pop (China), J-Pop (Japan), K-Pop (South Korea), and Nepali Hip Hop.

Raymond Bondad, the chair of the Asian-Pop Dance Competition committee says, “From being part of the first group to perform K-pop and C-pop with the Cleveland Asian Festival, to having the honor of judging the past 3 competitions, I can say with confidence that the dancers just keep getting better, and the competition brings the community together.”

The deadline to submit for the Asian-Pop Dance Competition is March 15, 2019. Contestants must record a video of their routine and upload it to youtube.com and e-mail the direct link to asianpop@clevelandasianfestival.org. 

Up to 8 videos (semi-finalists) will be selected by the Cleveland Asian Festival Executive Committee and shared May 1st, 2019 on the Cleveland Asian Festival’s Facebook page and website. Viewers will be able to vote for their favorite cover routines until May 12th.  On May 13th,  the top three videos with the highest votes, plus two CAF choices will be announced and invited to compete live on May 18th, 2019.  Live judging will be based on the following criteria: 1. Dance technique 2. Diversity in mash-up 3. Stage Presence 4. Live audience appreciation (applause)

Winners will receive cash prizes: 1st-$2,000; 2nd-$1000; 3rd-$500.  More details at

Bondad says, “I have never thought that the hallyu wave would hit Cleveland/Akron as much as it has, but I’m glad we are riding with it.”

About the 2019 Cleveland Asian Festival

The Cleveland Asian Festival is an annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month in May in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood. The Cleveland Asian Festival is a landmark undertaking to unite the community through collaboration and recognition of its culture, diversity, and people.

The 2019 Cleveland Asian Festival will be held May 18 and 19, 2019 from 11am to 7pm on Payne Ave. between E. 30th St & E. 27th S.  Admission and parking are free.

http://clevelandasianfestival.org

Contact

Johnny Wu, johnny@mdifilm.com

1419 East 40th Street Cleveland, OH 44103

Office: 216.539.4634

www.ClevelandAsianFestival.org

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