NSU Modern, ACA Hip-Hop and Samahang Modern dance off at Battle Royale

There’s an intensity in the air as members of Nikkei Student Union Modern, the defending champion of last year’s Battle Royale dance competition, rigorously practice their upcoming set in Parking Lot 4, move their bodies to the beats of M.I.A.

NSU Modern is just one of the teams competing in the 7th Annual Battle Royale, a dance competition hosted by Omega Sigma Tau that will pit UCLA dance groups against each other as they vie for first place at Hollywood’s Key Club at 10:30 p.m. The competing teams include Association of Chinese Americans Hip-Hop and Samahang Modern, which will be judged by YouTube singer Jason Chen, “America’s Best Dance Crew” contestant Glenda Morales of Fanny Pak and Black Eyed Peas choreographer Charmaine Jordan. The dancers will be graded on their routines, specifically choreography, originality, difficulty and theme. Judges will also grade the execution of their moves, their presentation on stage ““ including costumes and confidence, as well as crowd appeal, which is based on audience applause.

Two other exhibition teams will also perform this year, Dance and Spirit Club and NSU Old People, an extension of NSU Modern, which is composed of both students and alumni.

Fourth-year electrical engineering student Kent Tam, Omega Sigma Tau member and Battle Royale coordinator, said the fraternity donates the profits from their yearly competition toward a project called the Little Tokyo Recreation Center. The center aims to provide activities for local L.A. children.

Tam said the group donated $1,500 to the project with funds raised from last year’s competition.

Richard Ngo, third-year molecular, cellular and developmental biology and world arts and cultures student and NSU Modern member, said that being the reigning champions of Battle Royale comes with pressure, but he is hopeful for a three-peat.

“It’s something we want for ourselves,” Ngo said. “We don’t know what the other teams are bringing. We’re going to try our best to defend our title.”

According to Ngo, one aspect that distinguishes their team from others is that their sets don’t always use mainstream pop music.

“The songs we choose are iconic for NSU Modern. When you hear a certain song, you think of our set,” said Burdette Gebelein, a third-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student.

NSU Modern will perform a “nerd”-themed set featuring costumes of suspenders, glasses, high socks and cardigans.

Ryan Chang, a first-year materials science student and ACA Hip-Hop member, said their still secret- themed routine became a group choreography effort.

“The entire team collaborated and input their ideas for the (set’s) finishing touches,” Chang said.

Samahang Modern will perform a bank robbery-themed set.

“You’re putting on a show for people, and they obviously want to be entertained. It’s easier to follow if there’s a story,” said Chriselle Ebreo, a fourth-year molecular, cellular and developmental biology student and Samahang Modern member. “We want to showcase every individual’s talent.”

Ebreo said the group will perform dances that range from sultry girl group dances and a slower R&B couples piece.

While Battle Royale is a friendly competition, Ebreo said they hope to regain the prize the group won four years ago.

“This year we have a lot of new members, so we’re just trying to put out our best,” Ebreo said.