At the end of September, the area around the Křižík Fountain in Prague will be transformed into a large street dance stage. At the national final of Red Bull Dance Your Style, sixteen of the best dancers from across the Czech Republic will compete in thrilling one-on-one battles – but only one can win.
On 20 September, the national final of Red Bull Dance Your Style will take place at the Křižík Fountain (Křižíkova fontána) at the Prague Exhibition Grounds in Holešovice. Sixteen dancers from all regions of the Czech Republic will face each other in eight one-on-one duels – and only one will ultimately secure a place in the international final in Los Angeles.
This year’s final round consists of two winners from the open qualification in June and fourteen invited dancers, who have been observed throughout the year by the Red Bull curator team and international dance professionals. “We have been looking for artists who are not afraid to perform in front of an audience, who have a feel for music, can put on a show and can handle the pressure of such a competition,” explains Vahe Akopjan, choreographer and ambassador for the Czech edition of Red Bull Dance Your Style.
Improvisation, technique and audience connection are key
In the battles, everything counts: the dancers must improvise, as the music is selected live by the DJ – from hip-hop to funk to international hits. At the same time, the audience decides the winners of each round via light-up wristbands. “At Red Bull Dance Your Style, a mix of skills is essential. Technique alone is not enough, expression alone is not enough. Whoever excites the crowd has the edge,” says Akopjan.
The sixteen finalists reflect the diversity of the Czech street dance scene. Among them is last year’s winner, Julien (Julien Ko), who impressed audiences with his energetic style. From the qualifiers came Sebastian “Sebastián” Nicolas Šipoš of the Moravian crew MoGG, and Adriana “Adri” Matějná, who convinced with her natural movement flow and strong musicality.
Final in the USA in mid-October
The winner of the national final will represent the Czech Republic at the world final on 11 and 12 October in Los Angeles, where dancers from over 50 countries will compete. Unlike traditional competitions, there are no scores or jury decisions here – only personality, improvisation and connection with the audience count.
Red Bull Dance Your Style connects dance cultures around the world and offers a stage for dancers who perform authentically, creatively and with infectious energy.
More information at: redbull.cz/danceyourstyle
