Indian and international artistes set to battle it out at Krumpact this week

A moment from Krumpact 2020 (right) Srishti Poojari

While local jams are important for the community to learn from peers and grow, advocate Srishti Poojari, also a krump artiste whose interests and talents move into other hip-hop dance art forms, tells us that for holistic development, a large platform to reach and learn from the wider krump community was needed. After travelling to international krump events to represent India, she knew that she had to bring the same exposure and visibility to other krumpers in the country. Later, having met her mentor Ugly Fate, a Russian krump artiste who was keen to teach in India, Krumpact - a dance festival and competition - took off in 2018 organised by Mumbai-based Poojari.

The four-day festival begins with a mixer-like conference and party, and a krump beats production workshop by DJ Morf from France. Day two and three list down more workshops; a beginner-level session by Poojari and Buckstranger, and an advanced-level session by International artistes including Queen Buckhype from Germany, Outrage from America, and Jr Game from Germany. Coming to the battles, the event will host four competition categories including solo female and male, fam clash category complete with team battles, routines and combinations, and solo beginners to give upcoming artistes a chance in the ring.

Battle pre-selections will take place during the event with the finalists competing on day four. On-the-spot drop-ins and registrations are welcomed for workshops and battles, so don't miss out. Apart from learning from the pros and watching intense talent take the stage to fight for their winning spot, the festival also includes guest performances. Poojari is throwing the spotlight on an upcoming young star, seven-year-old DJ Lil Aarohi from Vasai. Kathiyawadi Boyz and Paranoid Dance Crew are some of the guest showcases lined up. "We always want to ensure that national krumpers come together as a community and experience quality in terms of learning, growth and an overall event," Poojari signs off.

On: November 3 to 6
At: Rahul International School (RIS) Mira Road, Thane.
Log on to: insider.in (for day 4); DM @krumpactindia to attend days 1, 2 and 3
Cost: Rs 250 (for day 4); Rs 2,000 onwards (for workshops), Rs 500 onwards (for battles)