EXCLUSIVE: 4 Dancers Who Left Their Mark At Red Bull's Dance World Final
From popping to locking, these women stole our hearts during the World Final.
Red Bull’s “Dance Your Style” is a global, street dance event with a unique battle format for all-styles. From hip hop and house, to locking and popping – participating dancers need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote.
This year’s event was held in Johannesburg, South Africa and we got the chance to interview a selection of amazing women who danced their way around the globe and found themselves at the heart of the World Final. These women are leaving their stamp in their prospective dance communities and inspiring a generation of people who love to dance and do it wholeheartedly.
Scroll below to hear more from the international dancers below.
Zouba
Little Shao
Little Shao
How did it feel winning Red Bull “Dance Your Style” Egypt?
One week after winning it still felt so surreal. I found myself saying “Oh wow so I really can dance.” This was my first dance battle, all my life I danced alone in my room. So I’m still in disbelief at times, but so happy I am here.
What do you like to wear when you’re battle dancing?
My favorite style is what meets the music’s needs. It’s nothing specific, I love all styles. I typically wear oversized clothes like sweatpants and big T-shirts.
Tell us about the dance community in Egypt, what are you the most proud of in representing them?
The culture in Egypt is very small. Very few people know about dancing and hip-hop. But after winning Red Bull “Dance Your Style” Egypt 2022 a lot of viewers saw my videos and now take my workshop. Now people who take my class in Egypt are slowly understanding what hip hop dancing and choreography is and it feels so amazing.
What do you like to do outside of dancing?
All my life I have been dancing, but now I’m starting to act. It’s something that I am starting to enjoy a lot.
Perla Perlson
Little Shao
Little Shao
We hear that you are a soulful R&B singer, do you ever see yourself pursuing your music career full time?
I really love dancing much more than singing. Singing is more of a private feeling that I want to share with myself and sometimes with people, but dance is something I want to share all the time. It’s really weird because when I go on stage to sing I’m nervous, I’m shaking, I feel bad, but when I have to dance I feel like I am unstoppable. I’m 100% confident it’s like I’m two different people. To answer your question, maybe one day.
Why do you describe your style of dance as “Spicy Sauce?”
I have a crazy family and you can’t survive in my family if you do not have a strong character. Since I was a child, I was taught I am a woman who wants respect, so when I dance I want respect but I still want to show you what I got. So, I came up with the style “Spicy Sauce,” because it’s my attitude that comes out when I dance.
What do you like to wear when you’re battle dancing?
My fashion is 100% streetwear. I really love to wear big clothes, hoop earrings, bandannas. I love hip hop and street fashion, but I keep my girly side. I will have my nails and makeup done, but everything else will be chill and comfortable. I stay away from loud colors or colors that may clash.
How does it feel to work with Red Bull and to be a part of this global competition?
It’s been 10 years working with Red Bull and they are like my family. They really take care of us and to me that’s important because it really feels like they love and respect us. Sometimes a lot of brands use dancers to make profit and I never feel this way when working with Red Bull it truly does feel like home and I’m thankful for the opportunities they have given us dancers.
Chrissy Chou
Little Shao
Little Shao
What do you like to wear when you’re battle dancing?
Since my major style of dancing is “waacking” I try to wear outfits that really accentuate my body. I kick and move my hips a lot so I’ll wear tight leggings and crop tops so you can see every movement. I like clothing where the lines and shapes are very clean. During the Red Bull “Dance Your Style” battles I like for my bottoms to be a little more loose so my movements will look bigger.
What do you like to do outside of dancing?
I really like to travel. It relaxes my body and mind. But honestly I like to stay home, too and watch Netflix, anything that requires me to not think too much.
Any advice you want to give to young dancers who are chasing their dreams?
I remember how it felt to be young and fearless, to not be afraid to fail. I would tell aspiring dancers that your body doesn’t get old but the mind does, so always stay young in your thinking. Keep being passionate about the things you love to do.
Dassy Lee
Little Shao
We’ve seen you in multiple music videos and commercials including collaborations with Pitbull, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Fitbit and more. Which collaboration were you most excited to be a part of?
I did a print commercial for Nike and it was so special for me. I am originally from South Korea, currently living in Los Angeles, and a lot of my family is still living in South Korea so they never get to really see me doing my work. But when the commercial and print dropped it was all over South Korea and my mom and sister got to see me doing my thing, it was a very proud moment and I want to do more.
What do you like to do outside of dancing?
Actually I’ve been drawing since I was very young, maybe three or four. During the pandemic, where I couldn’t dance as much, I started to paint. So whenever I’m not dancing I paint and I also made my own website where I sell my prints.
What do you like to wear when you’re battle dancing?
My fashion style goes from zero to 100. I really like crazy big baggy clothes when I’m battling because as a popping dancer I like to do explosive movements and it shows really well with big clothing. Other times, when I’m creating dance content, I like to wear really tight clothes to show off my feminine side.
