Dance
The unique street dance competition returns in search of the best solo dancer to represent Mzansi at the 2023 world final in Germany.
What makes Red Bull Dance Your Style unique is the format - the DJ and crowd play a crucial role. The DJ is tasked with curating a playlist of different music genres to see how versatile the dancers adapt their dance style to the beat. The audience plays the role of the judge and decides who walks away the winner by voting either red or blue.
South Africa’s breaker Verb made the top 16 at the 2022 Dance Your Style World Final, “Being part of Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final was a mind-blowing experience for me. When I started competing in Red Bull Dance Your Style my goal was being on the world stage, and I achieved that last year,” said Verb.
“The standard of dance was high, not just from the international dancers, but from the local guys as well. It also gave us an opportunity to showcase our unique, local flair as South Africans,” he added.
Who will rep SA next? Read on to get the full scoop from each regional tour stop and qualifier...
BLOEMFONTEIN | 22 July
Luyanda Mkhonjwa as known by “Louie – V” won the crowd over with energy and passion which was truly inspiring. The level of skill and creativity displayed by the performers was outstanding, making the decision-making process even more challenging for the audience. However, after much deliberation, the audience ultimately selected a deserving dancer to represent their city at the national finals.
“I wasn’t expecting to win and I’m going through many emotions right now. I’m happy with the results as I entered last year but didn’t make the cut, but I made sure I came prepared this year. This win is for the crowd that kept me each round and I’m hoping to do the same at the national final in Durban. I will make sure that I’m doing all the dance moves that are relevant and entertaining.”
CAPE TOWN | 15 July
Cape Town’s very own, Luthando “Lulu” Baduza secured his spot at the Red Bull Dance Your Style national final after winning the crowd at the regional stop that took place at the V&A Amphitheatre on Saturday 15 July.
Competing against a pool of exceptionally talented dancers, Luthando's unique street-dance style captivated the audience. With each move, he demonstrated versatility and creativity that set him apart from the competition.
“A lot was going through my mind but had to block out the noise. Coming into today’s competition, I had to make sure I know my own strengths and weaknesses which helped me win each round. I’m looking forward to enjoying myself at the National final and interact with the crowd and do my best.”
Luthando will now have the opportunity to represent the Cape Town at the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final, joining other winners from Johannesburg, Durban, Polokwane, Pretoria and Gqeberha.
DURBAN | 8 July
Yolanda “Killer Machine” Joja was added to the list of finalists who will be competing for crown to represent Mzansi at the world final in Germany. When Yolanda was crowned Durban’s best, she said; “The last round was difficult, as I had to bring all energy that I had since the knockout stages." "I’ll be studying the winners from other regions to improve my own dance style and I can’t wait to bring it to the National Final here in Durban”. she added
CITY OF TSHWANI REPORT | 24 June
Kabelo ‘Woken’ Matlou secured the third spot of the Red Bull Dance Your Style South Africa competition, which is set to take place in Durban, September this year.
Woken won the hearts of the audience with a resounding victory. “I’m so excited that I won because there is nothing I love more than dancing. When I heard about Red Bull Dance Your Style, I immediately started to prepare for it,” he shared. “I really feel like I deserved this win and will work hard when I compete at the National Finals in Durban,” he continued.
Woken stands a chance to go to the World Finals in Germany where South Africa’s very own, Bontle Modiselle will be co-hosting later this year.
Courtnae Paul had the dancers showcasing their skills to a range of music across different music genres.
01
POLOKWANE REPORT | 17 June
he second regional stop for Red Bull Dance Your Style took place on Saturday, 17 June at Savannah Mall, Polokwane. Following the success of the first regional stop in Johannesburg, SkinnyBoi brought more pressure to the competition with his ability to keep the crowd engaged, through his entertaining style of dance.
On Saturday, the semi-final battles turned things up a notch, with the contestants fighting for a spot in the final round. This is where Letsi and SkinnyBoi fought their hardest in their respective semifinals and set up a thrilling final. SkinnyBoi excited the crowd with his unique and comedic dance moves which lead the audience into voting for him to represent Polokwane at the national finals.
Benny “SkinnyBoi” Matlamela who has been dancing since he can remember is very happy to have made it this far in the competition and is looking forward to the national finals; “I am excited to be going to the National Finals to show South Africa my talents. I aim to do my best to win the 2023 title and go on to represent South Africa at the world finals”. “I feel like am the best dancer, I'm so happy because I will get the chance to travel outside of my province. I am also glad that I will get to meet other amazing dancers and learn more dances styles” he added.
02
JOZI REPORT | 10 June
The first regional stop took place on Saturday, 10 June at Carlton Centre and talent came in booming from different entrances. The final round was taken by the talented Joseph Moshobane who is known as Mjepane as the Johannesburg winner.
Coming from Bontle Modiselle Dance Studios helped him stick through all genres as they have taught them versatility at the studio. “The first round was a little scary as there were different people, however I saw that the crowd loved me, and I just wanted to give the people what they want” he said. “I look forward to giving it my all at the national finals,” he added.
For the first time, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals will be held in Durban, at the Suncoast Casino. The road to the National Finals will continue across South Africa making stops in Polokwane, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein.
Dancers who represent all styles from hip-hop, breaking, house, waaking, voguing, bhangra or jazz have the chance to showcase their skills and possibly represent South Africa on the world stage later this year.
