FEMME MNL sets sights on Hip Hop International world title after first-ever Manila concert

The reigning HHI Philippines MegaCrew champions fly to Arizona to compete against crews from more than 55 countries at the Hip Hop International World Hip Hop Dance Championship.

All-queer dance group FEMME MNL held its first successful concert at the Tanghalang Pasigueño in Pasig over the weekend, turning the venue into a celebration of dance, drag and queer pride ahead of the group’s campaign at the Hip Hop International (HHI) World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona later this week.

The concert also served as the team’s official send-off, bringing together some of the biggest names in Philippine street dance and drag under one roof. Dance crews Mastermind, TPM, UPeepz, XYZ and Vibes on Vibes, among many others, joined the lineup alongside drag stars Minty Fresh, Khianna, Zymba Ding and Ms. Jade So, giving fans a show while rallying support for FEMME MNL’s journey to the world stage.

What started as a five-member group has since grown into a 75-member collective that now carries the Philippine flag into one of the world’s biggest street dance competitions. The reigning HHI Philippines MegaCrew gold medalists earned the right to represent the country in Phoenix, where the HHI World Hip Hop Dance Championship gathers more than 3,000 dancers from over 55 countries each year, making it one of the biggest and most prestigious street dance competitions in the world.

During the concert last Sunday, July 19, FEMME MNL also showcased the routine it will perform at the world championship, earning a rousing ovation from the audience. The team also announced that it had successfully secured airline tickets and visas for all 30 members who will compete in Phoenix, where the championship will run from July 25 to Aug. 1. FEMME MNL flew to the United States on Tuesday, July 21.

According to the team, FEMME MNL will become the first all-queer dance crew to compete in its division at the HHI World Hip Hop Dance Championship, with its sights set on becoming the first to bring home the world title. 

Aside from chasing another championship for the Philippines, the team hopes its campaign will give greater visibility to LGBTQ+ performers while showcasing Filipino talent on one of street dance’s biggest stages.

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