The fifth edition of Battle Mania, an international street dance competition, is set to return to Penang, Malaysia, with a two-day event starting tomorrow. The high-energy dance battle will be held at 1st Avenue Mall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, featuring performers from across the region and beyond.
Organized by 1st Avenue Mall in partnership with Owl Dance Studio and Hundred Percent Dance Studio, Battle Mania 2026 promises an expanded international presence. The event will host dancers from Malaysia alongside competitors from other countries, supported by a judging panel that includes notable figures such as Niako from France, representing LegionX; Popping J from South Korea, affiliated with World Fame Us; and Finale from Thailand. Malaysian judges and DJs will also be part of the lineup.
According to a statement from the mall, the competition seeks to foster a dynamic platform where varying dance styles and cultural expressions converge. By combining international judges with local street dance professionals, the event aims to encourage creative exchange and provide dancers with opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their unique styles.
Battle Mania 2026 will feature five competition categories: Hiphop 1 on 1, the newly introduced Popping Battle, Open Style 2 on 2, Kpop Open Age, and Kpop Solo Under 13. The addition of the Popping Battle category marks an expansion of the event’s competitive scope, providing a fresh challenge for participants.
The organizers emphasize that Battle Mania is more than a contest; it is a celebration of movement, culture, creativity, and community. The event draws together dancers and street dance enthusiasts who share a passion for the art form, promoting interaction and camaraderie within the international street dance scene.
With its broadened judging roster, new competition category, and diverse group of participants, Battle Mania 2026 aims to deliver a vibrant and globally connected experience for both competitors and audiences at 1st Avenue Mall over the two-day schedule.
