Overview of MyNavi DANCEALIVE 2026 KIDS KANTO
On January 31, 2026, the MyNavi DANCEALIVE 2026 KIDS KANTO CLIMAX preliminaries took place at HARLEM in Shibuya, Tokyo, organized by Anomaly Inc. This event is part of the world's largest solo dance battle, the MyNavi DANCEALIVE series, which is held annually and has various categories, including a specific focus on kids.
About MyNavi DANCEALIVE 2026
Launched in 2005 originally as "DANCE@LIVE" in Japan, MyNavi DANCEALIVE is recognized as the largest scale street dance battle globally. The competition features a 1-on-1 format where dancers face off and perform improvised moves to tracks selected by a DJ, with the audience voting to determine the winner. There are various categories based on dance styles, including House, Breaking, Hip-Hop, All Styles, and Popping, collectively referred to as the GENERAL division for adults, alongside a category for those below middle school age.
The 2026 season attracted significant attention, with various regions across Japan participating in preliminary rounds that lead to the finals scheduled for April 19, 2026, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Exciting Developments in the KIDS Category
During the KIDS preliminaries held in Kanto, two top dancers emerged, securing their spots for the finals via accumulated points from previous events. The KIDS category focuses exclusively on All Styles 1-on-1 battles, encouraging various dance genres and styles among participants who are middle school-aged or younger as of the competition date.
Upcoming Events in MyNavi DANCEALIVE 2026 KIDS
The next KIDS preliminaries are set to take place in Hokkaido on February 14, 2026, following the KANTO event. The final championship will witness a thrilling culmination of the participants from across Japan. The structure of the competition allows for extensive engagement throughout the country, with additional preliminary rounds happening in different areas, ensuring a wide representation of talent.
Rules and Participation Criteria for KIDS
The official rules are detailed on the MyNavi DANCEALIVE website, where dancers can find comprehensive information about participation conditions, which notably require that participants remain under middle school age at the time of events. Moreover, former students are allowed to enter the finals, albeit under certain guidelines.
Advancement to the Finals
To qualify for the finals, contestants must earn points through the year-round regional preliminaries. Only the top two scorers from each area advance, in addition to two wildcards chosen through a decisive wildcard competition held the day before the finals. This ensures an inclusive opportunity for dancers to showcase their skills regardless of their initial rankings in the preliminary rounds.
The exciting format divides the regions into eight distinct areas, with each conducting three preliminaries categorized into vol. 1, vol. 2, and CLIMAX. Each competition fosters a spirit of healthy competition and artistic growth among young dancers, bringing communities together through the art of dance.
As anticipation builds for the finals in April, dancers and spectators alike are eager to witness the vibrant talent that the MyNavi DANCEALIVE 2026 will showcase, solidifying its reputation as a premier platform for emerging dance artists across the globe.