Talented young dance groups from across the UAE are ready to hit the stage as City Walk Unplugged Season 3 kicks off its live competition this month, building on the success and excitement of the previous two seasons that captivated audiences.
Following an impressive response of TikTok video applications this month, 30 dance groups have been chosen to advance to live rounds at City Walk, where they’ll perform before an audience and an esteemed panel of judges starting 22 November. The competition will culminate with a grand finale near the Fountain Area in City Walk on 1 December, 6pm onwards.
From 22-24 November, dance groups will take the stage in the semifinal rounds, showcasing their unique ‘fusion’ choreography and footwork. They will be judged on technique, stage presence, creativity, and technicality by some of the industry’s most notable names: Brendon Hansford, a renowned choreographer and director celebrated for his innovative vision; Rhea Harmoush, a passionate dance educator and choreographer; and Polina Komysova, an experienced choreographer and creative producer with a world title in ballroom dancing and former choreographer of Dancing with the Stars. The finale will also be joined by a guest judge Charles Makriss who is the founder of Makriss Dance Ministry, the 1st Street Dance School in Lebanon and the Arab World since 2009.
The Morning Show’s Alana Wallace, a popular voice on Luv 107.1, will host the semifinals, bringing even more energy and excitement to the weekend festivities. Georgina Barnes, radio presenter, host and dancer trained at the renowned Laine Theatre Arts in London and presented to diverse audiences in both the UK and Dubai will be hosting the finals.
The grand finale will spotlight the top 10 dance groups vying for the title, a cash prize of AED 25,000, exclusive opportunities to elevate their careers and an exclusive video shoot at City Walk. The event will be hosted by Virgin Radio’s Maz Hakim and Brent Black, with an electrifying performance by 2DayDance, an internationally recognized dance group celebrated for their high-energy performances and innovative choreography that captivates audiences worldwide.
Experience the energy of Dubai's emerging dance stars live at City Walk.
The following 30 dance groups which have been shortlisted for the semi-finals and will perform on stage from 22 to 24 November:
To participate, follow these simple steps:
1. Record a video of your group’s best dance performance.
2. Post your video on TikTok (make sure it's set to public) and tag @citywalkdubai.
3. Complete the form below to finalise your registration and get ready to groove!
Important: Ensure you meet all SUBMISSION GUIDELINES to be shortlisted.
Who Can Enter?
Form a dance group with at least three (3) members and a maximum of ten (10) members, all aged 14 or older, and get ready to showcase your talent!
Step 1: Record Your Dance Video
Unleash Your Creativity: This is your moment to shine! Create a captivating demo that showcases the group’s dance skills.
Video Specifications: Duration of your dance video should be between one (1) and three (3) minutes.
Genre Flexibility: You’re free to explore any genre, except belly dancing. Show us your range!
Language: Your demo dance music can be in either English or Arabic.
Video Quality: Whether it’s a smartphone recording or a professional video, all styles are welcome. Just ensure your video and audio is clear so the judges can fully appreciate your performance.
Live Performance Feel: Your video should capture the essence of a live performance. Pre-produced content or staged dance videos won’t be accepted.
Important Reminders:
Appropriate Content: Lyrics and dance moves must be suitable for all audiences. Avoid profanity, offensive language, or suggestive content.
Respect Intellectual Property: Any dance routines performed to or credited to you must not infringe on others' rights, whether living or deceased.
Originality is Key: Avoid "sampling" from other dance groups, artists, or any external elements.
Step 2: Submit Your Entry on City Walk’s website
Record & Post on TikTok: Record and post your group's dance video on TikTok and tag @citywalkdubai.
Include Your Group's Name: Mention your group's name in the video caption, along with the song title.
Set to Public: Ensure your post is set to Public so our judges can view your performance.
Complete Registration form on City Walk’s website: Fill out the group registration form on City Walk’s website before the deadline of 10 November 2024.
Theme: The theme for City Walk Unplugged – Season 3 dance competition is Fusion/Hybrid - a style of dance that blends elements from multiple dance genres, such as contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, traditional folk dances, and ethnic dance styles. It emphasizes creativity, experimentation, and the integration of diverse movement vocabularies to create innovative and eclectic choreography.
Eligibility: Participants must register as a group with a minimum of three (3) members and a maximum of ten (10 members). All participants must be 14 years or older. Those under 18 require parental/guardian consent to participate.
Group Name: Your group name can be any name you are known by or would like to be referred to as.
Group Introduction: Please provide a brief background of your dance group.
Group Photo: A good quality group photo is required for promotional purposes on City Walk’s social media and other platforms in portrait and landscape dimensions.
Main Contact: The main contact person will receive information and updates if your group is shortlisted.
Registration Period: Entries are open from 9 October 2024 to 10 November 2024.
Submission Requirements: All participants must upload their entry on TikTok (using a public profile) and tag @CityWalkDubai, in addition to completing the registration form on City Walk website.
Shortlisting: A panel of esteemed judges will select 30 shortlisted groups, which will be announced on City Walk’s social platforms on 14 November 2024.
Semi-finals: Shortlisted groups must be available to perform live at City Walk with all members present from 22 to 24 November 2024.
Finals: 15 groups from the Semi-finals will advance to the Finals and must be available to perform on 1 December 2024 at City Walk.
UAE Resident: Participation in the dance competition is limited to UAE residents only.
Content Ownership: The group submitting the entry must own the content and ensure it does not violate or infringe on the rights of others.
Usage Rights: By submitting your entry, you grant City Walk the right to use, publish, display, adapt, and promote your content, in whole or in part, in any format, with credit to your group. The group should not object to the use of the photo or video.
Content Guidelines: City Walk reserves the right to assess and disqualify any entries that are deemed inappropriate or offensive, including those with profane lyrics or content contrary to UAE religious, cultural, and public moral standards.
Ineligibility: Employees of Merex Investment and their families are not eligible to participate in this competition.
Data Collection and Use: By participating, you agree that City Walk may collect, store, and use your personal information, including but not limited to your name, contact details, and group information, for the purpose of sending you promotional materials. This may include, but is not limited to, email newsletters, event notifications, and special offers.
Data Protection: City Walk is committed to protecting your personal data and will handle it in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our Privacy Policy
Important: Kindly review the participation guidelines for your entry.
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