New Zealand dance crew ReQuest has won the 2010 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in the United States. 

The all-female group won the adult section, after winning the varsity award (under-19) last year, at the dance championships held in Las Vegas from July 25-31.

New Zealand dance crew ReQuest has won the 2010 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in the United States. 

The all-female group won the adult section, after winning the varsity award (under-19) last year, at the dance championships held in Las Vegas from July 25-31.

See ReQuest's award winning performance, their emotional response and a haka by Dziah 2.0 at the awards ceremony on this Las Vegas Weekly video.

Two thousand dancers from 30 countries competed in the championships. All three New Zealand crews were among the eight finalists, with Sweet & Sour placing 4th, and Dziah 2.0 taking 5th place in the semis.

In the Junior division BubbleGum got 4th in the semis, and Sorority was 5th in the Varsity division.

Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples said ReQuest has shown once again that passion tempered by total commitment and discipline can take you to the top of the world.

“You can’t do better than win gold at the World Championships in Las Vegas,” said Dr Sharples. “This is a fantastic achievement, and due recognition for the brilliance of their dance,” he said.

ReQuest performed at the Maori Sports Awards last year.

“ReQuest represents the best of Kiwi cultures, including Samoan, Tongan, Rarotongan, Chinese, Japanese and European dancers as well as Maori and Pakeha.

“When it came to showcasing their national identity, and then celebrating victory, of course our teams did the haka, which is such an appropriate thing, and apparently the crowd just went off!” said Dr Sharples.