The city of Cebu buzzed with excitement on July 13 as the Red Bull Dance Your Style Qualifiers took center stage at APEX Super Club. Cebu’s top dancers showcased their remarkable skills and talents, battling for a coveted spot in the upcoming National Finals.
Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global 1-on-1 street dance competition that celebrates individuality and creativity, embracing diverse dance styles from around the world. Dancers are challenged to display their incredible improvisational skills and freestyle moves to unpredictable music.
This unique competition stands out for its crowd-judged battle format, where the audience decides who advances to the next round. Sixteen dancers presented a dazzling array of styles, captivating the crowd with their performances. The Cebu qualifier finalists—JPY (Jeffrey Casas Toledo), Nemesis (Sam Rivera), Khlai (Khlai Vargaso Batula), and Baby Titan (Shihan Maui Ricablanca)—delivered awe-inspiring routines. After intense battles, Nemesis emerged victorious, earning the top spot and a ticket to the National Finals with her flawless performances.
“It feels great,” said Nemesis, reflecting on her journey. “Last year, I placed second, so this serves as my redemption.”
Nemesis highlighted that one of the most memorable aspects of this year’s competition was competing alongside her dance crew, “Underground.” She added, “This year, many dancers from outside Cebu participated—some friends and new faces I met during the competition. Meeting new friends and competitors was definitely a highlight.”
When asked about her plans for the National Finals, Nemesis responded, “With competitors filtered from Baguio, Davao, and Manila, I need to intensify my training.”
First runner-up Khlai, who also secured a spot in the National Finals, expressed her excitement about placing in the competition. “It feels so surreal, I don’t even know where to begin,” she said.
Khlai shared that her motivation to compete, despite a long-term knee injury, was her late grandfather. “Today is my grandfather’s birthday. The performance I did was dedicated to him and my grandparents.”
To prepare for the National Finals, Khlai plans to focus on her stamina. “I don’t usually have a long preparation or specific training, but I’ll try to do cardio to keep up with the other dancers.”
Philippine All-Stars legends and dance consultants Lema Diaz and Vince Mendoza attended the event. “The competition was full of inspiration and new faces,” said Mendoza. “Compared to last year, participation has increased significantly. Many dancers supported Red Bull Dance Your Style, and the skill level has really improved.”
“Nemesis had unpredictable moves and undeniable skills,” added Mendoza.
He expressed his excitement for the next round of qualifiers, saying, “It’s going to be even crazier. We’re excited for the Manila qualifiers. There are a lot of dancers and new faces. I’m thrilled to witness that moment.”
When asked for advice for dancers competing in the National Finals, Mendoza said, “We always tell them to have fun no matter what. Win or lose, it’s all about the transformation. If you win, there’s transformation. If you lose, there’s transformation. It’s all about giving love to the community, to the next generation, to the OGs, to our past, present, and future.”
With the Cebu qualifiers concluded, all eyes are now on the next thrilling round of the competition. The Red Bull Dance Your Style journey continues with the Manila qualifiers set for July 27, 2024, at Octopus Makati. More hopeful dancers from across the country will compete for their chance to shine at the World Finals.
Be part of the excitement! Keep an eye out for the last round of qualifiers and follow the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines journey to the World Finals in India on November 9, 2024. Don’t miss the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Finals in September!
For more information and updates on this year’s Red Bull Dance Your Style season, visit the official Red Bull website and follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
