HIGH-energy moves, intense face-off by dancers from across the region will take over 1st Avenue Mall in Penang when the two-day Battle Mania 2026 kicks off tomorrow from 10am to 8pm.
The fifth edition of the international street dance competition will bring together dancers from Malaysia and abroad, alongside international judges, DJs and street dance enthusiasts.
Organised by 1st Avenue Mall in collaboration with Owl Dance Studio and Hundred Percent Dance Studio, the competition will feature an expanded international judging line-up.
The judges include Niako from France representing LegionX, Popping J from South Korea representing World Fame Us, and Finale from Thailand, as well as Malaysian judges and DJs.
The mall, in a statement, said by bringing together international judges and local street dance professionals, the competition aimed to create a dynamic platform where different dance styles, cultures and perspectives meet.
“The event offers dancers opportunities to challenge themselves, showcase their individual styles and engage in an international street dance exchange.
“This year’s Battle Mania will feature returning competition categories alongside the introduction of a brand-new Popping Battle,” it said.
The competition will feature five categories, namely Hiphop 1 on 1, Popping Battle, Open Style 2 on 2, Kpop Open Age and Kpop Solo Under 13.
“Battle Mania is more than a dance competition.
“It is a celebration of movement, culture, creativity and community, bringing dancers and street dance enthusiasts together through a shared passion for the art form.
“With an upgraded international judging line-up, the introduction of a new competition category and dancers coming together from different regions, Battle Mania 2026 aims to deliver an exciting and internationally connected street dance event for both participants and audiences,” the mall said.
