FUSION

FUSION is a highly anticipated hip hop dance competition in California that has been hosted by two UC San Diego student organizations, Second to None (220) and the Multi-Asian Student Association (MASA). It is an event show that brings talented dancers of all ages and ethnicities from across the country together in order to celebrate music through various dance styles and cultural exhibitions. As young Asian-Americans are becoming increasingly prominent in the hip hop community and more recognized in dance, music, and film, MASA strives to continue the tradition that promotes cultural awareness in the hip hop community.

Since its inception in 1999, attendance at FUSION has increased dramatically. Today it is well-known as being the largest student-run Asian-directed event at UCSD. In the dance community, FUSION has long been an avenue for many of today’s most popular crews, including Jabbawockeez, Kaba Modern and Team Millennia. FUSION has won the title for the “Event Of The Year” from the Annual V.ENT Dance Awards two years in a row, and has also been nominated as “Best College Competition” by the World of Dance (WOD) Awards.

FUSION showcases performers from all over the nation and has viewers across the globe. Arranged solely through the efforts of college students, the success of FUSION rests on the diligence and determination of the members of MASA and 220. As of FUSION 2012, MASA will be hosting FUSION alone as 220 will be focusing on themselves as a competitive dance team. With this said, FUSION staff is still motivated towards the goals of recognizing the influence of hip hop music and dance in Asian youth culture and bringing to focus the lesser-known elements of a pan-Asian identity.