The Red Bull Dance Your Style (RBDYS) World Tour 2024 took freestyle dance to exhilarating new heights, bringing together a global community of talented dancers in a competition that mixed creativity, spontaneity, and cultural fusion.
This year’s tour crisscrossed the globe with electrifying events in diverse cities before culminating in a spectacular grand final in Mumbai, India. From local legends to rising stars, let’s dive into the key moments, the dancers who lit up the stage, and the cities that served as backdrops for this extraordinary journey.
MARCH: The Global Kickoff – Kenya’s Vibrant Scene
Kenya opened the 2024 season with qualifiers across Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nairobi. These events spotlighted the talent flourishing in East Africa’s dynamic dance scene.
Kenyan champion Samuel Brian (The Legitz Crew) dominated the finals in Nairobi, showcasing Afro and Hip-Hop-inspired freestyle to thunderous applause.
Held in the lively Nairobi National Theatre, the event included performances from Stalamuerte (Swiss champion) and Kenyan hip-hop crews like Spartans Empire.
JUNE: From the Acropolis to a Hundred Towers – GREECE AND CZECH REP.
In Athens, dancers battled it beneath the iconic Acropolis, blending modern street styles with traditional Greek music. Maria “Bounce” Antonakis stood out with a mix of Waacking and Locking, clinching a spot in the finals.
Meanwhile, Prague’s Žižkov Tower was a unique venue for the Czech Republic’s finals. Jan “Blaze” Novak wowed the crowd with his seamless transitions between Krump and Tutting, earning a ticket to Berlin.
JULY: Asia Brings the Heat – Georgia and Indonesia
Tbilisi’s event at the Fabrika Cultural Hub brought Georgian folklore elements into freestyle dance. Sopiko “Sparks” Janashia’s charismatic flair blended traditional Georgian dances with House, earning her a place in Mumbai.
In Indonesia, the competition at Jakarta’s Senayan Indoor Stadium* attracted over 2,000 fans. Local favorite Rizky “Rhythm” Pranoto’s explosive Popping routine, fused with Dangdut beats, left a lasting impression.
AUGUST: THE NORTHERN BEAT – RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE FINLAND FINALS
Helsinki’s finals at the Kaapelitehdas cultural venue were a highlight, as dancers incorporated Finnish EDM into their routines. Elli “Blizzard” Väisänen impressed with her high-energy Waacking to unpredictable beats.
September: Asia-Pacific Fusion – RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE Showdown HONG KONG
Hong Kong’s Harbourfront Event Space hosted the city’s finals, where Liam “Echo” Chan mesmerized the audience with intricate footwork inspired by Chinese martial arts. A breathtaking skyline provided the perfect backdrop for this iconic dance battle.
OCTOBER: NORDIC FLAIR
SWEDEN AND NORWAY
This year, Stockholm’s iconic Avicii Arena became the heartbeat of creativity and rhythm during Red Bull Dance Your Style. The event celebrated Sweden’s rich culture and global dance talent, featuring jaw-dropping performances from stars like Jazzy Larsson, who blended Hip-Hop with raw emotion, and Freya “Flow” Lundgren, who owned the stage with her waacking moves.
Hosted by Mikael Forsberg and highlighted by a live performance from Tove Styrke, the night was an unforgettable mix of dance, music, and culture. Add street food vibes and an energized crowd, and Stockholm proved why it’s a global hub for artistic expression!
Oslo took the stage at the stunning Operahuset, merging Viking heritage with contemporary energy. The standout? Markus “Mjolnir” Hansen, whose freestyle channeled Norse mythology and folk traditions, paired with modern beats for a jaw-dropping cultural fusion.
Other highlights included Sara “Saga” Ellingsen, whose flowing movements mirrored Oslo’s fjords. Furthermore, Jonas “Fjordstep” Karlsen broke boundaries with a jazz-breakdance combo. However, the cool Jazzy won the title and ticket to Mumbai finally.
With comedian Jonas Berglund as host and a breathtaking performance by Astrid S, Oslo’s event was equal parts humor, artistry, and innovation. Set against the fjords and featuring Norwegian delicacies, the night was an unforgettable celebration of identity, creativity, and unity. Together, Oslo and Stockholm proved that dance isn’t just an art—it’s a movement.
FINALLY: A Night of Pure Parisian Fire – The Dance Your Style Finals France
Nantes lit up as the iconic Théatre Graslin hosted the Red Bull Dance Your Style France Finals, a thrilling celebration of creativity, culture, and the undeniable energy of the French dance scene.
The Théatre Graslin provided the ultimate arena for the night’s battles. The venue buzzed with anticipation as fans, artists, and dance enthusiasts came together to witness the magic unfold. So, Nantes became the epicenter of freestyle magic as the Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 brought together the city’s best dancers and a crowd hungry for unforgettable battles.
No question, the atmosphere was electric, with every move showcasing the creativity and soul of the freestyle scene.
The night belonged to JR Sniper, whose explosive krumping, raw energy, and unmatched stage presence left both the audience and judges in awe. From intense face-offs to his powerful, emotional final performance, JR Sniper proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with, claiming the champion’s title in style.
Diverse Talents, One Stage
- Elina “Flashstep” Moreau: Elegance and drama through waacking and voguing.
- Leo “The Machine” Dupont: Gravity-defying breakdance moves.
- Mila “Sunshine” Rousseau: Freestyle energy with playful charisma.
The competition was fierce, with each dancer pushing their limits and delivering jaw-dropping performances, but it was JR Sniper’s raw power and emotional depth that ultimately claimed the title.
RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE 2024 RECAP
As Rubix raised the champion’s trophy, it was clear: France’s dance scene is a force, pushing creative boundaries and uniting diverse styles. The night was a testament to Paris as a global dance powerhouse, where artistry meets innovation.
And it was the same everywhere: in every city, not only did incredible talents take the stage, but countless fans came together to celebrate. The RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE CONTEST proved once again that the freestyle community is growing stronger and more vibrant.
Dancers across the globe showed that their unique styles aren’t just about creating an electrifying atmosphere—they demand to be taken seriously as true art forms. It’s hard to believe there are still critics and stereotypes out there.
Year after year, RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE highlights the creativity bursting in every city, where dancers are ready to conquer the big stage.
This was no different in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Berlin, Germany—two cities we’ve prepared special features for. Of course, we haven’t forgotten the DANCE YOUR STYLE WORLD FINAL in Mumbai, India, either.
Now, we can’t wait for the DANCE YOUR STYLE WORLD TOUR 2025, when it’s once again time for One night. One champion. Endless inspiration. 🌟
Text: Marco Kokkot, Images: Red Bull Content Pool. All Rights Reserved.