When? September 2nd, 2018
Where? Cirque Hiver Bouglione, Paris
What is Fusion Concept?
Fusion Concept is a 2v2 freestyle dance battle held annually in Paris, France. Along with Juste Debout and Summer Dance Forever, the event is one of the most prestigious battles on the calendar.
World Final Format:
16 teams of 2 dancers will compete in the World Final. Eight of these teams are invited by the organizers as “guests”. The remaining teams, known as “challengers” must battle their way in through a series of qualifiers held in 7 different countries.
The competition is split into 3 stages:
- Clash – Each guest team battles a challenger team. Every dancer will dance one time for 45 seconds, alternating teams. Dancers are allowed to combo and do routines with their partner. After all 4 rounds, the judge panel selects the winning team and the losers are eliminated.
- Pools – The individuals from the 8 surviving teams are drawn into 4 pools of 4 dancers. Each dancer will battle the others in their pool once. 3 points are earned for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 for a loss. All pool battles are strictly 1v1, with no combos allowed. The top 2 dancers from each pool advance and the rest are eliminated. Dancers on the same team will not be in the same pool.
- Last 8 – The last 8 dancers are placed into a bracket for the final stage of the World Final. Battles are still 1v1 but combos and routines are allowed with your partner, even if they were eliminated in the pool battles. If two dancers on the same team both reach the semifinals, then they automatically advance to the finals as a team. If a dancer advances to the final alone, then his partner returns to join him. The final battle is 2v2 where each competitor dances twice, totaling 8 rounds.
Previous Winners:
- 2017: Stylez’C & Diablo
- 2016: Ice-E & Alex
- 2015: Waydi & Majid
- 2014: Waydi & Rochka
- 2013: Nelson & Kefton
Contenders: The Guest teams
Sylencer (USA) and Jayy Black (USA) – An American litefeet duo that looks like an outside contender. We’ve never seen a true litefeet team in the competition so their performance is one to watch. They’ll be tough to deal with individually in the pool rounds, but they need a favorable Clash matchup to get there.
Greenteck (CAN) and Slim Boogie (USA) – The top favorites for overall victory. These two are electric poppers who are incredibly tough in a 1v1 battle. The Clash could trip them up early, but the pools are theirs for the taking. Expect them to factor in the late stages of this competition. Will they end the French run of dominance?
Kyoka (JPN) and Ibuki (JPN) – The only all-female team in this competition, Kyoka and Ibuki are well-known in the battle scene and should produce some excitement in the early rounds. Drawing the challengers from the Paris preselections is their worst-case scenario for Clash but a decent matchup should see them in Stage 2 and beyond.
Liza (GER) and ET (USA) – This team is a true darkhorse for overall victory. ET’s flexing is mind-bending, and is a devastating opponent in a 1v1. Liza has some bone-breaking ability of her own which makes for intriguing combo potential. The onus to make a deep run is on ET, but this is a team that nobody wants to face in Clash.
Grichka (FRA) and Ace 974 (FRA) – This duo has been in the scene for a while. In fact, Grichka finished 2nd in Fusion Concept 2013. As a krumper, Grichka is strong in the 1v1 while Ace 974 is fluid and clean in his motions. The team is interesting, but there’s a good chance they fall early to more explosive and creative opponents.
Baby Snoop (CAN) and Boy Mijo (FRA) – Krump duos are always dangerous in Fusion Concept, and this squad is no exception. Baby Snoop is young and creative, while Boy Mijo is both exciting and experienced. Boy Mijo is another former finalist in this event, and he could get there again this year. They’re one of the safer bets to survive the Clash round.
SoSo (FRA) and Damani (FRA) – The only Bboys amongst the guests, SoSo and Damani will fly under the radar heading into this event. Tough luck for the challengers who draw these guys because Bboys are historically dominant in the Clash round. Stamina, depth of style, and repeated moves should bring doom in pools and Last 8, but these boys will produce some fireworks in the early stages.
Ice (UK) and Evion (UK) – Spearheading a promising group of young British talent is Ice and Evion. Evion in particular is highly rated by the community and has experience in top competition thanks to his participation in Juste Debout 2018. These dancers have never beaten any of the world’s elite, but their talent is undeniable.
The Challengers:
Pasta (ALG) and BBoy D12 (ALG) – This duo won a tough Algerian qualifier thanks to a sick routine in the finals, which means they have a few tricks to spring on the guest teams. However, they aren’t experienced and will be reliant on power moves and said routines to pull off an upset in the Clash round. BBoy D12 is a real talent, but the team should lose out early.
***UPDATE*** Pasta and BBoy D12 are unable to attend the World Final, they have been replaced by a third French qualifier.
Candyman (FRA) and Mels (FRA) – Qualifying out of Switzerland, Candyman returns after reaching the semifinals last year. He’s arguably the top locker in the battle scene right now, and he’s proven he can take take out top hip-hop talent in a 1v1. Working against this duo is the Clash round. Mels isn’t as exciting as her teammate and the team may lack the juice to survive the Clash. Should they get through, watch out for Candyman to make another deep run.
Nico (ITA) and Samoo (ITA) – Nico is an experienced electro dancer and Samoo brings fluidity and a nice flow. It’s the first time we’ve seen these two on a stage this big and we aren’t quite sure what to expect. The Italians will come prepared for the Clash, and an upset could be in store.
Badsoon (RE) and Sween (RE) – Reunion Island makes its first appearance in one of the world’s top battles. This Bboy duo comfortably won the qualifiers, and bring that wild-card upset potential to Fusion Concept. Like many challenger teams, there’s few major results in their palmares. However, they should not be underestimated.
Future Style (KOR) and Nema (KOR) – Asian teams have performed well in recent editions, and this Korean squad will strive to continue the trend. Future Style is a huge talent who will announce himself on the French stage. They combo well, and have a star for the 1v1s. Danger.
Kaio (USA) and Lord Finesse (USA) – Before July, these Los Angeles-based dancers known as Liquid Motions were unknown to any top Europeans. Now, they’re a threat. Their biggest strength is their incredible chemistry and combo potential with footwork and flexing. Lord Finesse is the star that must survive the pools for the team to contend, but he’s a special talent about to break out on the big stage. These upstart Americans will be ready to do battle.
Kefton (FRA) and Marvin (FRA) – This duo emerged from a brutal French qualifier and are now one of the top favorites for overall victory. Kefton is the only former winner in the competition, taking his title back in 2013. We finally have the opportunity to see Marvin on this stage as well. These guys are experienced and masters of their own styles.
Kartoon (FRA) and Joris (FRA) – Kartoon and Joris were the revelations of the French qualifiers, defeating KidNY and Noscript before shocking Rubix and Kuty to punch their ticket to Paris. They are relatively new to the scene, but bring tremendous energy and creativity. They carry unique, refreshing styles and should be considered contenders to win the World Final.
Rubix (FRA) and Kuty (FRA) – The Criminalz crew duo won a fan vote to secure the final spot after the Algerians withdrew from the competition. Although it took some luck to get in, these young dancers are fan favorites and will benefit from their Criminalz association. Expect to see them factor in the Last 8.
Ranking the Contenders:
- Famous Favorites – These teams are known celebrities in the scene, and it’s possible that both dancers on a team reach the Last 8.
Greenteck and Slim Boogie
Kefton and Marvin
Baby Snoop and Boy Mijo
Rubix and Kuty
- Dangerous Veterans – Teams who have competed in the scene for years. Some have results in top battles and none of these dancers should be taken lightly.
Grichka and Ace 974
Kyoka and Ibuki
- Darkhorses – Underestimate these teams at your own risk. They bring extreme combo potential and have individuals who can star in the 1v1.
Liza and ET
Kaio and Lord Finesse
Kartoon and Joris
Future Style and Nema
- Outside Contenders – A favorable Clash matchup could see them advance, but a deep run seems unlikely without chaos in the pools.
Sylencer and Jayy Black
SoSo and Damani
Candyman and Mels
Nico and Samoo
Ice and Evion
- Clash Casualties – Any of these teams advancing would be an upset, but it’s not impossible. These inexperienced squads still have potential.
Badsoon and Sween
Le Sportif 