EIGHTY8 Dance Squad gave the local community plenty to celebrate during the last school holidays, returning from Rumble, the Queensland qualifying round, with an extraordinary haul of trophies.
Under the leadership of founder, director and choreographer Meilaing “Mei” Ng Wun, all three of Eighty8’s competitive crews placed in the top three of their divisions, securing their spots in the State finals this September.
The Kandi squad was the standout of the under-10 Mini Crew division.
The seven-member team of 16-year-olds delivered a polished, high-energy routine that earned them first place.
Mei said the win was “crazy” and a testament to how fiercely the young dancers fought for their moment in the spotlight.
Hush, a five-member crew aged 11 to 13, also impressed judges in the Junior Novice division, earning third place.
Meanwhile, AOK (Academy of Kids), a seven-girl team aged 13 to 19, made a powerful comeback after a challenging start to their season.
Competing in the Varsity Novice division, they claimed first place, a result Mei described as “the placing they wanted and deserved”.
What made these achievements even more remarkable were the obstacles faced in the week leading up to Rumble.
Mei had to overhaul formations and rework choreography across all teams, while several dancers were battling illness or injury, and she credits the crews’ tight bonds and resilience “Without that, I don’t believe it would’ve happened,” she said.
Eighty8’s distinct identity also stood out at the competition. Rather than following mainstream trends Mei leans into old school hip hop, drawing from 80s, 90s and early 2000s music and styles.
