Davao’s vibrant dance scene was electrified at the Red Bull Dance Your Style regional qualifier held on March 22 at Club Echelon. The competition brought together the best local dancers, all vying for a spot in the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals.
This thrilling 1-on-1 street dance competition continues to stand out globally, offering a unique platform for dancers to showcase their skills in hip-hop, house, waacking, popping, and locking. The event was a true celebration of Davao’s diverse dance culture, with participants pouring their hearts into their performances.
The battle format, where the crowd decides the winner, added an exciting layer of intensity to the event. Every move, every musical interpretation, became critical in securing victory.
After several intense rounds of battling, SUJI emerged as the first official finalist for the National Finals in Cebu. SUJI’s technical mastery and commanding stage presence won over the crowd, clinching his victory.
“My mindset was plain and simple,” said SUJI. “I didn’t have much expectation, I just wanted to be here.”
With this victory, SUJI earned the opportunity to compete with the best dancers from across the country at the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals in Cebu, and ultimately, to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in Los Angeles this October.
Reflecting on his journey, SUJI shared, “All I have is dance, and I wanted to push through. A friend helped to make it possible for me to be here today, I only had to do my part which was to dance.”
He emphasized that the true essence of the competition was to connect with the crowd and battle against the other dancers. “I just did what I could with my 7-year experience of freestyling,” SUJI added. “Everything is about getting to know more about myself, and while doing that, I also get to know how a person’s mind works.”
As for how he strategized during the battle, SUJI explained, “I observed the other dancers and how they would play from their rounds before our battle. I tried to figure out how our battle round would play out. I see it as two dancers communicating; it’s more than just movement. There is no verbal connection, only kinesthetics.”
Looking ahead to the National Finals, SUJI shared, “I just want to stick to something that I’m already sure of. Win or lose, I’m after the experience. I want to see how people would react to what I do or what I offer.”
When asked about the key to winning the National Finals, SUJI emphasized: “To be yourself and to be authentic with your intentions.”
After Davao, the competition heads to Manila for its second regional qualifier on April 25. Registrations for both the Manila and Cebu qualifiers are now open. Participants can register through the provided link.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals live on May 24 in Cebu. Register now on Red Bull’s website for tickets. The journey to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in Los Angeles continues in October 11.
For more updates, visit the official Red Bull website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
