Body Positive Dance Fitness, Portland, ME
MAY 23
4:30 - 8:30 PM
The floor is open. The battle is on. In this electrifying 2026 showdown, Latin and Hip Hop dancers trade steps in a celebration of culture, competition, and connection. Enter Solo, with a Partner, or bring your Crew.
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Liz Lister
Sean Jones
Our Vision
This is the second year we're putting on this event together, and we are so excited to bring it back!
We first met in the Latin dance scene, bonding over a shared love for dance and community.
We kept seeing how different styles influence each other, like breakers using salsa steps or hip hop moves appearing in bachata. We wanted to create a space where these communities could compete, collaborate, and celebrate as one.
Drawing from our own experiences and inspirations, we created Battle of the Beats to bring everyone together. This is more than just a battle. It’s a cross-cultural exchange, a chance to show off your skills and discover new ones, and a space to share the floor.
We're Going To Maine!
We are thrilled to announce that we’re taking Battle of the Beats on the road to Maine! And we're excited to introduce you to our newest BotB Maine Team Member, Olenka Rallis, the driving force behind Ole Beats in Motion.
You might recognize Olenka from the dance floor. She was a competitor last year in Boston! She’s built a community in Portland celebrating Kizomba, Semba, and Latin rhythms, with events like her Roots & Rhythm Dance Night. Now, she’s channeling that energy to help us create the first battle of its kind in her home state.
We’re so excited to partner with Olenka to bring this cross-cultural experience to Maine!
OLENKA RALLIS
Judges
Workshop
MC | DJ
Stay Tuned To Meet Your Team!
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What to Expect
Location: Body Positive Dance Fitness
4:30-5:30 PM: Beginner-Friendly Workshop!
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Groovy Theory: Salsa Hip Hop Fusion
5:30-7:00 PM:
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Competition with a panel of judges from both communities
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A break for social dancing (salsa/bachata/hip hop)
7:00 PM: The winners are crowned and we dance until the end
Ticket Prices
$10 For The First 10
$12 Pre-Sales
$15 At The Door | Cash Only
*If you are facing financial barriers, reach out to office@listerevents.com
**If you want to pay it forward and purchase a ticket for another attendee, reach out to office@listerevents.com
Bathrooms on site
Parking Lot available
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Event Rules
General Rules for all competitors and participants
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Everyone is eligible to compete. This is an All Levels event
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You are not a confirmed competitor until you receive a confirmation e-mail or text
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To be considered for the individual prize and to be eligible for Round 2, you must dance solo at some point. If you are only competing in the Round 1 group battle, this is not required.
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We expect respectful and sportsmanlike conduct. Anyone in violation of this will be disqualified and asked to leave
*More details on code of conduct to come
Round 1
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In pairs or individually, dance when your music comes on. (Ex: bachata dancer dances when bachata music plays)
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Each team will have a few sets to show off, and the judges will tally points to see who is in the lead
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To be considered for the individual prize and to be eligible for Round 3, you must dance solo at some point. If you are only competing up to the Round 2 group battle, this is not required.
Round 2
Flip the script
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In pairs, groups or individually, dance when your opponent's music comes on. (Ex: bachata dancer dances when hip hop music plays)
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Each team will have a few sets to show off, and the judges will decide which individual dancers, one from each genre, have the highest scores. Audience chooses which team wins.
Round 3
Conversation
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In pairs, groups or individually, the top dancers of both groups face off and must dance to all music: 1 set where hip hop music is played, 1 set where Latin music is played
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To advance to the next round, each individual, whether dancing with a partner or not, must dance solo at one point
Rep your style