Dance
Meet Kriss, the champ of Red Bull Dance Your Style Czech Republic 2019
Kriss from the Czech Republic is a B-Boy who loves to discover the boundaries of what he can do with his art. Find out what he brings to the table in a dance battle.
“I always wanted to move in unusual ways. It’s crazy but I remember the very first time I got this sparkle in my eye from the idea.” In a mad twist of fate, B-Boy Kriss’s very first encounter with dance took place in Paris of all places. “I was 10 years old and with my family on a little trip. We bumped into a street performance on the Champ-Elysees. One dancer did a flip against a light pole while the other one made a magnificent, fast headspin. I knew instantly this would be something I would learn about deeply,” the Czech dancer explains. Returning home Kriss and his older brother Marek immediately hit up breaking classes.
Honestly, I loved it from that first moment. Every dance practice was a blessing and still is till now.
About to represent his country, in the very birthplace of his dream, Kriss says that it’s no doubt an exciting step in his dance journey but what he’s really looking forward to the most is having his mom there. “Winning is like the cherry on top. When my whole crew and family came to support me at Dance Your Style Czechia I felt so happy and alive than I would have had a great day regardless!
“In a battle I try to make the crowd feel warm and welcome. But the main thing I focus on is honesty and realness I would say. If I simply don’t feel it, I don’t participate. I just observe.” Kriss confesses. Quickly flipping the suspense and lightening the mood he laughs: “My toughest competition will probably be with my pants and trying not to rip them – because normally that happens.”
When looking back on what Kriss considers to be his biggest accomplishments, the B-Boy says he’s most proud of the places and people that he’s met by being part of the culture. Crediting the two for making him into the dancer he is today.
Off the back of the topic of inspirations, one of Kriss’s greatest motivators is his girlfriend. “Dance-wise my biggest influence would be Regina, my girlfriend. She is an outstanding dancer and human being who pushes me to do and be better. I am so thankful for her” Kriss blushes.
Training for six hours max, Kriss puts in far less studio time than your typical professional dancer. Talking through his reasoning behind this Kriss explains: “My limited time with dance makes me really appreciate the time I spend with my crew – Opatow Flavours – and the music itself. Every practice is different and special. I work with different impulses and emotions that I experience during the week and always come at it fresh.” Don’t forget, dance is Kriss’s side job and in a typical week, Kriss studies at university, plays the piano and loves to draw.
One swipe through his Instagram will prove that when he puts pen to paper, he’s as skilled as an artist as he is as a dancer. “Dance is just my little escape but not a main focus at the moment.” he says.
Kriss shows some threading
© Lukas Wagneter/Red Bull Content Pool
Breaking down his creative process when it comes to his artwork Kriss says that where dance allows him to be intuitive, unpredictable and is based on his inner energy. His artwork comes as the result of some kind of “eureka effect” where he receives an idea and sticks with it until the final result.
“Art and illustration tell me that all you need is to have your eyes opened and every object and topic could be magically inspiring. Whereas dance opens an infinite hole of curiosity and research. What I love about dance is the unlimited process of physical and mental discovery. At this moment dance and art are two worlds that keep a perfect balance in my life, but let’s see, maybe that will change somehow and they’ll connect in the future.”
Drifting off into his connection to another major creative element in his life, Kriss dives deep into the importance of music: “How important is music you ask? Man, a lot. Usually, it’s my lifebuoy in the ocean of confusion – when in doubt the music tells me how to move and adapt. If an animal should adjust for the weather conditions, a dancer should adjust his or her movement to the music and try their best,” he suggests.
A grounded dancer and artist, Kriss is in tune and easily posses the talent to be at the top of the scene but admits that even he has uncertainty when it comes to his craft: “My biggest challenge now is to feel comfortable with myself and others. To be completely satisfied with my path, without desire, dark thoughts or jealousy – but yet to feel a natural motivation to keep growing.”
While he might not have a disciplined training regime, Kriss doesn’t hesitate to express his curiosity for dance and what makes him continue: “What motivates me the most is the fact that I use my body on a daily basis and I still don’t often understand it. There is a reason why I am in this body and my goal is to connect my mind and physical self. To reach an organic existence – with my art, with the world and of course my dance.”
