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Published: August 19, 2011 12:17 a.m.

Last modified: August 19, 2011 12:45 a.m.

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Eleven-year-old B-boy Nate Dixon moves like he’s in zero gravity.

The kid who entertains the crowd during intermission at Halifax Rainmen games gave a breakdancing (B-boy) demonstration on Thursday. It was part of a press conference on the Halifax Common where organizers announced the lineup for the second annual Hopscotch Hip Hop Festival.

Dixon, who started dancing at age four, is amassing fans and kids who want to try it out, especially after Hopscotch last year.

And the festival is even more kid-friendly this year: The DJ Olympics, a 13-year event now connected with Hopscotch, is going to be all ages for the first time. There will be beatbox, MC and DJ battles.

“When I was a teenager, we couldn’t go to concerts. I think it’s super exciting they can see local and international artists and DJs,” said local DJ Jason (J-Bru) Bruce.

“Kids see hip hop on TV but now they get to see it live.”

Hopscotch was wildly popular in its first year, and Bruce said more kids are getting interested in hip-hop culture.

“There are definitely more kids involved. Last year kids got to see a lot of artists like myself, DJs and breakdancers.”

Also new this year: A unique relationship between Hopscotch and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Event co-ordinator Billy Comer said they’ll shut down Bedford Row from George to Prince Streets
on Sept. 8 and two boats will be pulled in. Artists from Paris, Toronto and Halifax will paint the boats for a new take on Atlantic street art.

The main event will be held on Sept. 10 at the Halifax Common. It’s free and more than 50 performers including beatboxers, dancers, DJs and MCs will take the stage.

“We put together a stacked lineup of both international and local performers who have done a lot for this city,” event coordinator Billy Comer said.

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