The Soda Movement - Street Dance Festival

On June 10th, 2023, an event called The Battle took place at the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center in Saint Paul, MN from 5pm-11pm. This event was part of The SOTA Movement, Minnesota’s Street Dance Festival that celebrates dance, connections, and culture. The Battle was a Maia Maiden Production and one of three parts of the larger event, The SOTA Movement.

The Battle featured a highly anticipated KRUMP Battle called The UPRIZING. KRUMP, short for Kingdom Radically Uplifting Mighty Praise, is a powerful style of street dance originating in South Central LA. It combines passion and intricate movements with self-expression. The UPRIZING was set to be the most talked-about event in American street dance culture.

Image created by Leobardo leyva <insta

Founded and led by Ololade “Gambit” Gbadamosi and Herbert “FairWarning” Johnson III, The UPRIZING’s community-based approach and historically relevant content cultivated knowledge like none other. From beginning dancers to seasoned practitioners to excited audience members, this energetic battle held nothing back and left everyone wanting more.

Several exhibition battles took place during The Battle. The first was between Final Warning and Twinn Moody Rexx, two of the heaviest and rowdiest of the new generation. The second was between Gambit and Deadend, two leaders who clashed at The UPRIZING. The third was between Native and Stain, two heavyweights from different generations who met up and got buck at The UPRIZING.

Overall, The Battle was an exciting event showcasing the power and passion of KRUMP dancing. It brought together artists, creators, and supporters to celebrate dance, connections, and culture. As a Maia Maiden Production and part of The SOTA Movement Street Dance Festival in Saint Paul, MN, it continued the tradition of excellence in showcasing the best in street dance culture.

We'd like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in hosting and attending "The Battle," also known as "The UPRISING," on June 10, 2023, at the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The SOTA Movement, Minnesota's Street Dance Festival, is a huge success thanks to your tireless efforts and passion to the art form. Your performance at The SOTA Movement Street Dance Festival in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was a Maia Maiden Production, and it upheld the festival's longstanding reputation for showcasing cutting-edge street dance. All of your efforts have been much appreciated.