Dance
Meet the 2022 Red Bull Dance Your Style Wildcards
Find out which invited dancers are ready to rock the stage in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 10 for the second edition of the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final.
Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final 2022 will feature some of the world's best dancers. Eight spots will be awarded to the winners of the pre-finals, while the other eight have been awarded wildcards and have directly qualified for the final.
These are the wildcards.
01
Outrage
Outrage from USA will compete at Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final 2022
© Carlo Cruz / Red Bull Content Pool
Outrage was born in the US state of Kansas, but moved around when he was growing up, spending time in parts of Germany and in Washington DC before settling in California. His first introduction to freestyle dance came at a shopping mall when he was 12 years old. What Outrage saw was krump and it made a significant impact on him. It would take another year, though, before he'd actually meet those same dancers in high school and start dancing himself.
Outrage started when the clowning and krump crossover was still in motion, and David LaChapelle's iconic film RIZE was opening in cinemas and presenting the South Central LA street dance for the first time to the world.
At 15-years-old in 2005, he officially began honing his craft, picking up various street styles and taking dance seriously – heavily inspired by the likes of James Brown and Michael Jackson and performances by Jimi Hendrix and Freddie Mercury.
The first time Outrage danced in a battle was in 2010's How The West Was Won, which had added a krump category for the first time. Outrage won and took home a big cash prize. Fresh from graduating high school, at 20-years-old, the next thing Outrage knew was that he was getting invited to Japan, on an all-expenses-paid trip to teach, battle and share his style of krumping. Outrage realised at that point that dance was something he could get used to.
Outrage is currently having the time of his life, dancing as part of Usher's Las Vega Residency. "The project I've been involved with that's made me the most excited is Usher," he says. "We spent long weeks and months in rehearsal to finally get on stage and go crazy. I always thought of myself as someone who would never really dance behind an artist, but being here has shown me otherwise. I have learned so much about dance through this experience that I'm very proud to be here doing it, and we're back next year, so even better."
I've thrived with my dance by showing people so far how much more there is to krump
Outrage previously competed in Red Bull Dance Your Style LA, but this will be his first time appearing at the World Final. Outside of battling, he's into fashion and photography and has his own clothing brand called @DeathbyStyle, specialising in clothes for the hip-hop community. He is a self-professed "master-genius" of music and geeks out on studying all sorts of genres. He's also skilled in Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts. "They are both a real big thing to me. Dance and MMA are one and the same to me," he says. "Muay Thai has taught me patience and how to understand and care for my body, greatly improving my physicality and dancing. It's been playing a huge part this year!
"I just want to be able to continue to travel and give the world a different perspective on krump," he says. "Krump often has a stereotype in people's eyes, and I think I've thrived with my dance by showing people so far how much more there is to krump.
"I also see myself as a creative director and someone who'll continually put street dance on platforms beyond battling. Because of TikTok and things, a wider audience is starting to see what the future of krump could be and more if it has the right team and direction behind it, and I want to do what I can to take it there."
02
Toyin
Toyin, from the USA, will compete at Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
Oluwatoyin Sogunro, aka Toyin, is a professional dancer, house battle queen, choreographer and educator.
She was born and raised in the Washington DC area and began studying and training in various dance styles at a very young age. Eventually, she switched focus to house and hip-hop styles.
Her family has always been a big inspiration in her life and has encouraged and supported Toyin in all she does. Her other creative inspirations are Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt and Nina Simone.
Toyin is an ambassador and highly dedicated to preserving and cultivating street dance culture, community and the authenticity of Black culture through club dance.
In 2007 Toyin became one of the artistic directors of Urban Artistry Inc, an international urban arts culture and education project that's part of Assassins D.C. - an internationally renowned dance collective in the battle community. For 10 years, Toyin taught historical techniques, mentored students, and performed for the grand opening dedication ceremony for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Toyin competing in the All Styles Battle at Red Bull BC One 2022
© Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool
In competitive spaces, mainstream audiences and underground scenes, Toyin has gained respect as one of the best House dancers of this generation. In 2011 Toyin and her partner, LaTasha Barnes, made history by being the first American team and the first female team to take the House Dance title at Juste Debout. That became one of Toyin's proudest accomplishments and one of her most memorable battles – for two reasons. Firstly, it marked her first time ever visiting Paris and dancing in a huge area and secondly because that victory ignited her career. It led to Toyin being invited to teach, perform and judge at dance competitions worldwide. In 2021, Toyin jumped on tour as one of Omarion's dancers on the Millennium Tour.
Throughout her career, she's continued to rack up titles. Most recently, at the 2022 Red Bull BC One World Finals in New York, Toyin won the All Styles 1v1 Battle and the Breakdown the House 2v2 Battle alongside Samuka.
Toyin is currently based in Los Angeles and is the founder of a collective called Nefer Global Movement. Nefer is a group of active, influential women in the hip-hop dance scene. The collective's goal is to unite to celebrate dance and culture and empower sisterhood.
In the future, Toyin hopes to continue exploring ways to express herself by showing the human experience through her art and dance, exchanging with the people she meets, and gaining rich experiences around the world.
More about Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final
03
Perla
Perla is a Wildcard at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final 2022
© Torvioll Jashari
Swiss dancer Perla was introduced to music and dance by her mother, a keen guitar player. From a young age, she enjoyed dancing and took her first class at three-years-old. She started with contemporary and modern jazz, but soon switched to American choreography with a company called Club Zou, where she spent six years learning routines from TV and music videos. Perla credits this period with giving her a good visual memory, technical skills and flexibility.
By age 15, Perla had forged her reputation on the scene. Not only was she teaching house and hip-hop in many schools across Switzerland, but she was propelling her local scene to the worldwide masses.
Then, aged 20, Perla decided to refine her focus on hip-hop and house. She racked up a long list of impressive titles, including being a seven-time qualifier at the World Championships at Juste Debout. In 2019 she won Break Down the House at Red Bull BC One Camp Zurich and now she's headed to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final.
Ask Perla what her proudest moment is, and she'll tell you it was winning the Cercle Underground battle in Paris twice. The battle takes place by invite only, and for as long as she can remember, this was her all-time favourite competition. Not only did her team win the 3x3 house battle, but Perla won the best dancer across all categories and says that to this date, this is the biggest award she's ever won.
Being based in Geneva meant Perla struggled to find a freestyle scene when she was young, but as she progressed to the top of the hip-hop and house scenes, some circles, sessions and battles started taking place. Perla caught DBZ Fam's attention and they asked her to become a member.
Outside of the studio, Perla is racking up fans across the globe as a soulful Latin/R'n'B singer and has jumped on a string of guest verses and singles. She writes and sings mainly in Spanish because her mother is from Paraguay, and she loves the music from her culture. As the daughter of an Italian father, Perla speaks Italian, Spanish, French and English.
The biggest challenge in her dance career has been breaking her foot twice. For two years, Perla was in and out of the hospital, on crutches and told by doctors that her dance career was finished. But she refused to give up and taught for the entire duration from a chair while fighting like hell to heal. She confesses that it was hard for her to regain her physical and mental strength. But in the end, she returned more in tune with her body and more determined than ever.
Today, Perla is constantly diving into diverse styles such as salsa, afro, popping and dancehall. As a true lover of dance, Perla stresses that it's essential to have as many tricks in your pocket by understanding the foundations of other genres, not only for battling and diversifying your own style but also to be dynamic for choreography and projects.
She describes her own style of dance as being like a spicy sauce. Perla's a technical dancer, but she likes to lose control in battle mode. She says her technical abilities are so strong and her energy levels so high that even though she's naturally competitive and may look like she's concentrating, she can totally lose herself, be free and connect to the music and crowd.
04
SB
SB from South Africa
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
South African dancer SB is the first and only dancer to battle in Red Bull Dance Your Style showcasing his style called SBHUJWA, a street dance with its own subculture developed by Soweto youth. He's represented that style for more than 20 years.
When SBHUJWA started storming the township streets, he immediately immersed himself in the new style. It didn't take long after he started learning the dance form to become an ambassador for the style and a master of the genre. Reflecting, SB passionately explains. "It's the style I started with and the culture I live in. I'm about SBHUJWA, all the way from the roots. The name 'SBHUJWA' is derived from the French word 'bourgeoisie', which means middle class. But nowadays, the dance genre is not about that. It's about a positive lifestyle and good energy. It's a highly creative and spiritual dance form about telling a story and speaking from your heart.
He clocked local fame among the pioneers and top dancers in his hood in street battles, where most people didn't have portable speakers, and the crowd would throw in change to play songs off a nearby jukebox to soundtrack the rounds.
SB won almost every battle he entered and proved a strong choreographer. He's in demand to teach workshops sharing his dance style, while his performance prowess has led him to appear in many shows across the globe.
SB and Shanny J
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
SB's proudest achievement has been being invited to dance on the big screen in an African, Yoruban dance film called Yemi in the Moon. Another incredible experience for SB was performing in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 World Cup.
SB and his collective/crew, THE TRIBE, are dedicated to passing on the history of SBHUJWA and the importance of the culture, its fashion and aesthetic, and the moves to South Africa's new generation to ensure the genre continues and gets stronger.
Outside of dance, SB loves playing football and is a motivational speaker. He's also carving out a promising career composing songs for artists and songwriting. So far, he's worked in-studio sessions on everything from rap to Qgom, afro-pop and is now writing a melodic piano track. Lyrically, SB gets inspired the most by the world he sees around him.
In the future, SB wants to focus more on choreographing shows for stadium-size audiences. He also wants to continue being a motivational speaker and spark change for the people he teaches. He's learnt along the way that a lot of his students have grown up in difficult situations. Some might come from nothing or have a big family to support. They're frustrated by a corrupt government, have been exposed to violence, and have a lot of pressure. SB has witnessed how much these students can benefit from opening up and being around a confident mentor who can encourage them not to give up and pursue their dreams.
This year will mark SB's debut in the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final. SB beams: "It means the world to me that I've been selected as a Wildcard for the World Final because I've been a part of the street dance culture of South Africa and always believed that one day I would have the chance to show SBHUJWA to the world. It's amazing to be competing against the world's best street dancers, showing the most authentic version of the dance in the place where it originated. I intend to use this platform to showcase my craft's originality."
05
JR Game
JR Game from Germany
© JR Game
German krumper JR Game was born in the Schleswig-Holstein state town of Kiel. He entered his first battle in 2006 at nine-years-old after his brother told him that if his crew made it to the finals, he'd have to compete with them. He practised super-hard for that battle, and it paid off. From there, his dance career and battle prowess soared.
By the time he was 11, he was already ranked in the world's top-20 at the EBS Krump competition. Since then, he's won around 30 contests in Europe. In 2022, his proudest battle achievements are making it to the top eight at the EBS Krump competition for a second time and cementing his status as one of the best in the world.
At 27-years-old, JR Game is one of the most popular krumpers from Germany and has been respected on the scene for years. Looking back on everything he's achieved, he says: "It's hard because some accomplishments are important for your image and the community, and others are important for you. A big highlight for me is representing people with a disability worldwide."
Having a restriction on his right arm, the meaning of his birthname, Vehbi Can Yesil, formed his way of thinking, character and ability to battle past any weakness with strength and determination. Vehbi is a male Turkish name of Arab origin meaning 'the gift of god', while his second name 'Can' means 'life.'
JR Game says the most significant competition he's had to compete in is his own life. He attributes his fame to his endless drive and fights to trust in his uniqueness whilst staying positive and showing the world what dancers with restrictions are capable of.
Off the dance floor, JR Game has carved out a successful acting career, played a leading role in the TV series, Crews & Gangs, and is presenting a film that will be released in 2023. He's also passionate about creating and editing his own shows.
JR's most prominent fans include Chris Brown, Blackeyed Peas and Omarion. He's been appeared in TV commercials and landed the job of creative director and dancer in the 2020 music video, A Moment In Time, with jazz artist Avishai Cohen.
JR Game at Red Bull Dance Your Style Germany 2021
© León-Fabrice Liegener / Red Bull Content Pool
Another passion for JR Game is the fashion brand he's building for dancers with disabilities and an innovative zipper he's designing.
He's also dedicated to growing the Krump scene in Berlin and empowering dancers. Outside of that, he regularly organises events and teaches workshops around the world.
JR Game is a krump dancer at the core, but has fused multiple dance styles into his dance. In the future, he'd like to integrate more choreography into his craft and LA style.
He's part of the Game Fam crew and got his krump name after its creator, called 'BIG'. For JR Game, taking on the moniker 'JR' means he'll do all he can to represent his family and make them proud.
When asked about what dancers inspired him along the way, JR Game says: "Inspired is not the word. I think 'motivated' is better. Any dancer killing it on the stage motivates me to push myself and get more. There are no limits."
06
Yoshie
Yoshie from the Ebony crew and Style of Fusion
© Takahiro Lino
Yoshie was born in Fukuoka, Japan. Her father gave her the name Yoshie, which means 'someone who loves to be surrounded by people.' She started dancing in 1992 at 18-years-old. She trained in jazz, ballet, modern, locking, punking, waacking, soul, breaking, house, hip-hop and pop. Yoshie was inspired by teachers and mentors such as Yoshibow, Sakami Seiji, Hasegawa Mieko, Harada Kaoru, and her crew, Be Bop Crew. She's also a member of Ebony crew and Style of Fusion.
Yoshie has earned fame in Japan and overseas. One swipe through her Instagram shows her funkified flow and next-level musicality. A true music-head, Yoshie's videos are often shot in a studio, where she dances in front of towering stacks of Marshall amps, a drum kit and various instruments.
She describes her dance style as a combination of different styles and dancing with fluidity like she's swimming to the music.
Yoshie won the Street Dance Kemp battle two years consecutively, including in 2009 against Salah. The judges deemed the battle as a tie, but Salah handed Yoshie the trophy. She sees this moment as her greatest and most honourable achievement.
The biggest obstacle she overcame was getting past the pressure of winning Dance Alive Heroes – Japan's largest all-style battle event. For the past 12 years, this has been Yoshie’s goal, and she won it for the third time in 2022.
As an instructor, Yoshie's classes and workshops are in high demand. She's also choreographed and performed live on TV in music videos and for a long list of Japanese stars.
Yoshie trains every day. Her favourite type of training is working on body control and a special method, which she keeps top secret. She also takes regular classes and spends a lot of time digging for new music and experimenting with various genres, influences and styles.
Yoshie lives in Tokyo. Her passions are socialising, partying and finding a deeper understanding of herself. Yoshie is an expressive and emotionally complex dancer. In the future, she thinks that the social status towards dancers will only get higher, but she hopes people will stay connected to dance and feel it naturally.
This will be her first time competing at Red Bull Dance Your Style. At the World Final, Yoshie says that fans and her opponents can expect to witness her approach to the music while she expresses herself with various dance styles.
07
Inxi
Inxi
© Alexandr Antochvili
Inxi, who was born in Jakobstad, Finland, and now lives in Stockholm, Sweden, has been for as long as she can remember. She has memories of dancing as young as kindergarten but played football for seven years before stepping into a studio for the first time. As a teenager, Inxi became more serious and committed to training and decided to pour all her efforts into dance.
Inxi's main styles are popping and vogue femme, but she also loves to train and experiment with different genres. Her first battle was in 2010 in Uppsala, Sweden. She entered the competition battling in hip-hop, locking and popping, all on the same day. Three years later, Inxi entered her first vogue battle, Streetstar, dressed as Sailor Moon, and quickly started gaining fans on and off the scene and making a name for herself.
Inxi was attracted to the process of becoming something she could visualise and dream of when she battled, with no expectations of how it would go.
She describes her style of dance as wavy and alien-like. Her movements are soft but also sharp, striking and powerful. She likes to think that her bones are liquid, and her style resembles "a liquid skeleton".
Dance is my life. It is a part of my identity. It's my true love that guides me and heals me
Inxi has a list of proud battle wins. She won the prestigious Streetstar Vogue Femme 2015, Nordic Juste Debout in Popping in 2016, Latex Ball in New York in 2017, and the EXPG Allstyle Battle in Los Angeles in 2018.
Her proudest achievement is her reputation and status in the ballroom scene from 2019 onwards.
"Dance is my life," says Inxi. "It is a part of my identity. It's my true love that guides me and heals me. It is constantly changing me and helping me grow more as a person."
Outside of dance, her passions are yoga, food, and music. She also loves ice baths. She's been a vegan for five years and is a terrible loser when it comes to chess. This will be her first time competing in Red Bull Dance Your Style.
08
The D Soraki
The D Soraki
© The D Soraki
The D Soraki was born and raised in Shounan, Japan. He started dancing at four-years-old, thanks to his parents, who took notice of his talents and were dancers themselves. The D Soraki trained in soul, hip-hop and a multitude of other styles. However, he admits that learning such a vast mix of dance genres was also his most significant obstacle to overcome and it became tough to maintain his own style.
Fast forward to the present day. At 19 years-of-age, The D Soraki impresses dancers and non-dancers alike with his original dance style, lava-like flow and unique approach to music. His biggest passion outside of dance is music. In the future, he hopes that dancers will become the main stars and headline live performances at festivals.
The D Soraki is always optimistic, super-clean, and loves anime. One of his proudest accomplishments outside of battling is participating in a ‘Tokyo Collection’ catwalk show as a model and dancer representing Japanese labels, SYUMAN and Animus.
The D Soraki’s greatest influences and mentors are fellow Red Bull Dance Your Style Wild Card Yoshie and DJ XXX Large.
Soraki is his birthname, and he was given 'The D' as a nickname and stuck with it as his dance name. When it comes to battle wins, The D Soraki has many. The most important achievement to him was making it to Summer Dance Forever, because he’d been watching that competition, which he’d always dreamt of competing in from an early age.
The D Soraki trains for four hours a day and this'll be his first time competing at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final. He can’t say for sure what his competitors or fans can expect from his battles, but he's sure he'll enjoy each round more than anybody else.
