The Red Bull Dance Your Style Manila Qualifier lit up XYLO at The Palace with intense freestyle battles, international dance icons, and a powerful sense of community.
The energy was unmistakable as Red Bull Dance Your Style returned to Manila on April 25, taking over XYLO at The Palace with a night of thrilling one-on-one dance battles. This regional qualifier brought together some of the finest freestyle dancers from Manila and nearby cities, all aiming to secure a place in the National Final in Cebu — and a potential spot at the World Final in Los Angeles later this year.
From the moment the music started, the crowd played a vital role. Unlike traditional dance competitions with formal judging panels, Red Bull Dance Your Style hands the decision-making power over to the audience. Each matchup challenged dancers to interpret unpredictable tracks in real time — from hip-hop to funk and pop — making every round a test of creativity, rhythm, and adaptability.
The standout performer of the night was Jigoro, who earned the top spot with dynamic, expressive moves and a clear sense of musicality. His ability to connect with both the music and the audience set him apart throughout the night. His victory also secured him a ticket to Cebu, where he will compete in the National Final alongside fellow qualifiers EBOY (Manila runner-up), SUJI, and SPADECKX from the earlier Davao leg.
But the Manila qualifier wasn’t just about local competition. It was also part of the Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Tour, which brought some of the world’s most respected street dance figures to the Philippines. Among them were MT Pop, the 2024 World Champion from Vietnam; THE D Soraki, Japan’s 2022 World Champion; and Yoon Ji, a waacking specialist and 2024 finalist from Korea. Their presence added an international flair to the event and gave local dancers the rare chance to interact with top-tier global talents.
MT Pop’s appearance was particularly meaningful. Known for his precision and charisma on the dance floor, he spoke openly about his excitement to finally visit the Philippines and connect with Southeast Asia’s vibrant street dance community. His message to Filipino dancers was simple but powerful: “Keep learning. Keep doing what you love. Even when it’s hard, just keep going.” His story — from local dancer in Vietnam to world champion — resonated deeply with both the performers and the crowd.
Throughout the night, the sense of community and mutual respect was unmistakable. While the competition was fierce, dancers cheered each other on, shared warm embraces after battles, and celebrated not just wins, but the sheer act of expression. It was a reminder that street dance, at its core, is about connection — to music, to each other, and to something larger than the individual.
The event also demonstrated how the Philippines continues to carve out a strong presence in the global dance scene. With events like this, Filipino dancers are given platforms to showcase their skills on the world stage and inspire the next generation of movement artists.
As the journey continues, the spotlight now shifts to Cebu, where the next set of qualifiers will battle it out on May 24. The excitement is building as dancers from across the country prepare to bring their best moves for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Los Angeles on October 11.
For those passionate about dance, music, or urban culture, Red Bull Dance Your Style is more than an event—it’s a growing movement that unites communities through freestyle and rhythm. The Manila Qualifier proved that the Philippines has not only the talent but also the heart to stand out on the global stage.
Stay tuned for updates on the Cebu Qualifiers and the National Final. For more information and ticket registration, visit Red Bull’s official website and follow them on social media.
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