Taipei: Eighteen groups from across Taiwan emerged victorious in their respective categories at the first Presidential Cup Street Dance competition finals held on Sunday at the Presidential Office Plaza. The event, organized by the Ministry of Sports, showcased talents in all-style line, all-style battle, and breaking events, with divisions for under-15, under-18, and open categories.

According to Focus Taiwan, the victorious groups in the all-style line event included EX-KIDS, HRC BEAST KIDS, nonstop, DSDJ Family, VOSSI, and Breaking Bad Crew. In the all-style battle event, the winners were Snappy Two, Beware of Children A, YA CK, Purify the Mind, Championhood, and IP LOCKERS. The breaking event saw triumphs from GUGU GAGA, Central Demon Slayers, The Hans, Hiraeth Bboy, TC NEW BLOOD, and CITY4 INSTRUMENT.

President Lai Ching-te, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized the event’s aim to promote street dance as a “free language” that allows dancers to “create their own universe with space and melody.” He highlighted the diverse range of participants, from children to senior citizens, and praised the extraordinary performances, noting they “shone all the way up to the skies above Ketagalan Boulevard.”

After the competition, President Lai congratulated the winners and encouraged all competitors to return for next year’s event. The competition attracted more than 500 groups nationwide during open auditions that began in August, including the notable participation of Olympian B-Boy Sun Chen and the wheelchair dance troupe “Wheeldance Waves,” which also advanced to the finals.