The highly anticipated, world-renowned dance event Red Bull Dance Your Style hit New Zealand for the first time on Friday, May 26, at Takutai Square, Britomart, with hip-hop freestyler Happy Feet (John Vaifale) taking the national champion title and will be competing at the World Final in Frankfurt, Germany on November 4.
The unique all-styles dance competition was hosted by Lance Savali and summoned 16 of the country’s best dancers across hip-hop, house, waacking, turfing, krumping, popping and everything in between to battle their way against each other through four rounds and win the hearts of the crowd for the national championship title.
Takutai Square was heaving with energy and excitement as dancers gave hundreds of spectators an evening of entertainment and an unforgettable spectacle of New Zealand’s street battle dance scene.
After four rounds, John Vaifale (Happy Feet) was crowned the New Zealand champion after wowing the crowd with his evident talent, energy and personality. Vaifale specialises in hip-hop and has created his unique style that integrates his Polynesian and New Zealand culture.
“I can’t believe I’ve won. I came into this nervous. This whole week I was stressing because this is important to me. The line-up is crazy. Everyone is well-skilled. Right now, what I’m feeling is a relief, man! I’m relieved and grateful to everyone – my opponents, team, family and Red Bull. I can’t wait. I’m super excited,” John shared.
“This battle we had today, the energy was completely different from anything I’ve experienced. It was cool to see people who had never seen a dance battle before to have them be a part of the journey. That set this apart from other events. It’s so open to everyone, everyone can enjoy it, and we can show why we love this.”
When looking forward to the November Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final, John expected craziness and fantastic skill. However, he warned the competition that he would bring his New Zealand and Polynesian flavour and energy.
“I will bring my energy, my flavour, and me.”
Judged by the audience, Red Bull Dance Your Style is about giving dancers freedom. There’s no pressure of a panel of judges, no planned choreography or one true dance style, and no pre-chosen music. It’s all about embracing the moment and moving to the beat, which Happy Feet did.
Lance Savali, Red Bull Dance Your Style host and world-renowned dancer, was buzzing after the competition ended, sharing that the experience was wild.
Savalia continued that New Zealand’s talent in the dance scene is next-level.
“Happy Feet will smash it at the World Final, and I can’t wait to see how he does.”
The 16 Red Bull Dance, Your Style National Final dancers, gave New Zealanders something to be proud of. On November 4, Happy Feet will represent New Zealand at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Frankfurt, Germany and compete against 45 dancers worldwide.
The global competition has seen more than 160 events in nearly 50 countries. It has become a highly anticipated event for dance and entertainment lovers that has finally made its claim on home soil. Best of all, it was completely free to the public.
To follow the World Final and learn more, visit the Red Bull website and @redbullnz on Instagram and TikTok.
