Fil-Am hip-hop dance groups to represent USA at world championship

LOS ANGELES — Here’s some exciting news that you don’t hear every day: Hip-hop dance, with its national and international competitions, is thriving!

This year, two Filipino American groups took home the gold at the recent national championship in Los Angeles. They will proudly represent the USA at the World Championship in Phoenix this July.

“I feel so happy we won gold,” said 10-year-old Jaydelyn Atencion, a member of Mini Chapkidz, in an interview with Inquirer.net USA. “It’s a dream come true for us. We can’t wait to represent the USA at the World Championships!”

For those unfamiliar with hip-hop, it encompasses a range of street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music. 

This genre emerged in the early 1970s in New York City, blending rhythmic sounds, funk grooves and rapping – a poetic form of vocal delivery that reflects social consciousness. Hip-hop culture has evolved to include DJing, turntablism, scratching and beatboxing, showcasing a vibrant subculture that transcends music.

Mini Chapkidz is an all-Filipino dance crew of nine talented tweens. Apart from Atencion, the group consists of Alani Duenas, Amaya Narag, Aria Briosos, Avery Enriquez, Brooklyn Lopez, Cyrenna Balanag, Jordan Pineda and Lagi Sala.

They began their journey during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Based in Solano County (near Fairfield in Northern California), many of these dancers started training as early as age two. Competing in the Junior Division this year, they impressed audiences with their electrifying performances, sharp choreography and unstoppable energy.

“It still feels unreal,” said 10-year-old Enriquez. “It feels so great to be on stage… it’s so exciting and fun!” 

Narag, also 10, added, “It feels so good; God led us to this great opportunity.”

For 12-year-old Pineda, the experience is a stroke of luck. “Many dancers don’t get this opportunity.”

This dynamic group has emerged as a next-generation force in hip-hop, earning a coveted spot at the upcoming Hip-Hop International (HHI) World Championship, taking place from July 26 to August 2 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Mini Chapkidz are a powerhouse of talent, passion and precision. In 2023, they auditioned and advanced to Chapkidz Mini 2.0, winning first place in two competitions.

In 2024, they became Mini Chapkidz and again clinched two more victories. In 2025, they won first place at the Kaos Dance Competition in January and recently secured the gold medal at the prestigious HHI competition.

Now, they’re gearing up for the global stage, where they’ll compete against elite junior dance crews from countries like China, Korea, the Philippines, Canada, France, Japan, South Africa and more.

“The World Championship is the Olympics of hip-hop dance, and only the best make it this far,” said Jason Atencion, a proud father of Jaydelyn and a member of the pioneering Bay Area Fil-Am singing group Legaci. He was also a tour vocalist for Justin Bieber’s My World Tour.

“Their journey has been marked by intense rehearsals, unwavering teamwork, and the guidance of world-class choreographers,” Jason told Inquirer.net USA.

“What sets Mini Chapkidz apart is not just their technical excellence; it’s their chemistry, creativity and ability to move as one. As the countdown to Phoenix begins, they are doubling down on training, perfecting their routines and preparing both mentally and physically for the biggest stage of their lives.”

“Mini Chapkidz is not just a dance crew; they’re a family,” he added. “Their story of dedication, discipline and dreams realized through hard work is inspiring young dancers everywhere and proving that age is just a number when talent and determination lead the way.”

In addition to Mini Chapkidz, the Filipino American dance crew “The Killas” also won gold at the Hip Hop USA competition.

Founded by Jerome Cunanan and Lee Andrew Maullon in 2018, both of whom were born and raised in the Philippines before migrating to Las Vegas, The Killas have made history by winning first place four times at the USA competition, including at the World of Dance Las Vegas in 2019 and at HHI in 2021, 2022, and now in 2025.

Six of the nine members are Filipino, and according to member Kim Carlo Alcantara, the team is thrilled with their latest victory. “We worked hard for this,” he told Inquirer.net USA.

“Especially in the adult division, where everyone has jobs, we have a limited window for rehearsals each week. There are many strong teams competing, and it’s really tough. We can’t wait to represent Team USA in the world finals!”

In addition to cofounder Cunanan and member Alcantara, the group includes four other Filipino members: Cheven Thomas, Tyrone Estanislao, Voir Aaron and Zach Belandres. The group also features members from other backgrounds: Caja Pearson, Chase Fittin, Trace Mahlum. 

“Almost every dancer knows how it feels to prepare for HHI but personally it’s about the journey and not the results,” Cunanan said on his Facebook wall. 

“The memories you create with your team is what makes the trip memorable. I always keep this little quote inside me ever since I was a kid: ‘Always always always appreciate the little things.’”

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