The In the Middle hip hop show by the all- female French group, The Swaggers, shook the cultural world with a new and alternative approach to this dance genre. Held on June 6 at Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, it was ajoint project of Alliance Française de Manille, the Embassy of France to the Philippines, and SM Aura Premier.
The performance gave mallgoers a different perspective of hip-hop.
At the same time, it was able to raise funds for the benefit of the housing projects of France-Philippines United Action Foundation (FPUA). The Foundation already completed two rehabilitation sites in Northern Cebu for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Part of the proceeds of the show was used to complete the third village, which will soon rise in Bogo City in Cebu.
The Swaggers, a group of six all-female performers founded by French dancer and choreographer Marion Motin in 2009, showcased real-life images through dance. The group, which includes Laura Defretin, Lyd Ie Alberto, Carmel Loanga, Julie Moreau, Diana Ukbulut, and Oumoo Sy, won the Dance Delight Contest in France in 2010. During the same year, they became vice-champions of Hip-hop International in Paris; and in 2012, they also topped the Hip-hop Games Contest in Lille.
The performance demonstrated the sharing of emotions among the group and its consequences to others. The light inspired by photographs or cinematic sets of the show was meant to be exhilarating and enigmatic to move the viewers from different imaginary worlds.
The In the Middle Hip-hop Dance Performance by The Swaggers was one of the many exciting cultural events at SM Aura Premier.