The second annual “Your Crew vs. My Crew” dance competition finished out this year’s Rondo Days, which celebrates the black community that once thrived where I-94 now cuts through St. Paul.
“Every year we celebrate Rondo Days and the people and community who once stood there,” Leviticus Martin, the host of the event, proclaimed to a cheering audience during intermission of the competition. “So keep that in your minds and in your hearts when you come to Rondo Days, to the festival, to the parade, to the competition, that’s what it’s about. It’s about the community, it’s about love.”
The competition took place at Gangelhoff Arena on the Concordia University campus on Saturday, July 18th and lasted almost three hours. The competition and dance exhibition included nine crews from Minnesota, Indiana, and Nebraska.
Immortal rehearses backstage before their performance.
The Sparkling Divas warmup backstage.
Destruction Drill and Dance Squad from Omaha, Nebraska pose for a photo backstage.
Half Pintz come in for a huddle before their performance.
The judging panel
Half Pintz dancers ready to perform.
Destruction Dance Team performs.
The PGBC Marching Saints watch the competition.
Destruction Drill Squad members watch the competition and look out at the packed bleachers of the Concordia University arena.
Kudeta, who won second place, perform.
Dancers of all ages are invited to join in on the fun during intermission.
An impromptu dance circle forms during intermission.
Central High alum sings the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Audience members raise their fists during the Black National Anthem.
Immortal performs.
The Pleasant Green Baptist Church Marching Saints from Omaha, Nebraska perform.
The huge crowd cheers on their favorite dancers.
The huge crowd cheers on their favorite dancers.
Minnesota Motion wins the competition for the second year in a row.
Great photos, the one of the Half Pints dancers waiting to perform is especially wonderful.
Kudos to Kayla Steinberg.