South Africa stood still as 587 hip-hop dancers from across our borders converged in Gauteng on 13 September to claim national dance honours at the third annual Strictly Hip Hop dance competition, held at the Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria.

After six hours of fresh moves intertwined with the ever-existent rivalry between Pretoria and Johannesburg dancers, 38 crews were eventually reduced to a final three, in front of over 5 000 cheering guests.

Favourites from the onset, the all-boy crew "Perplexed" brought on stage a combination of catchy concepts and "wow" music samples that left the audience excited and screaming for more.

It was indeed a Pretoria affair when "Twitch" (first time participants) and "Kryptonite" (headed by South Africa and world Hip Hop dance champion, Eugene) impressed the judges with a combination of slick choreography, athleticism and a demonstration of the power of musicality - until "Freeze Frame" took the stage.

Perfect timing, theatrical expressions, creative rhythmic moves and impeccable attention to detail gave "Freeze Frame" from Kempton Park the lead after the first round of performances, whilst consistency and its non-relenting attitude towards success was enough to defeat "Twitch" in a heated head-to-head battle that saw the Johannesburg based crew lift the trophy as 2008 Strictly Hip Hop champions. They also bagged a whopping R35 000.

Final results:

1. Freeze Frame

2. Twitch

3. Kryptonite and Perplexed (Tie)

5. Necro X

6. Repertoires

7. Chaos B

8. Kryptic

9. Reptiles

10. Jewels of Morbid and Elemental Saints (Tie)

For more information on Strictly Hip Hop South Africa, call Lawrence on 072 027 3607.