Mebala Press

View Original

SHANNY J WINS

SHANNY J WINS THE 2021 RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE SOUTH AFRICA FINAL


The world’s biggest street dance competition, Red Bull Dance Your Style has crowned South Africa’s best street dancer. Mzansi has voted and Shannon “Shanny J” Kivido from Boksburg, Johannesburg will represent the country at the second Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final. The world final will take place at Montecasino on Saturday 4 December 2021. 

 The much-anticipated national final dance battles took place last night at the monumental Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town where Shanny J went toe to toe with Lee Shane before she won this prestigious accolade. 

This entertaining evening was hosted by renowned dancer and choreographer Bontle Modiselle and Dancer and MC, Ellington “Elly The Entertainer” Majola. In each round the hosts amped the audience to vote by either choosing the red or the blue sided card to select the winner. 

 The brutal semi-final saw the 2018 winner of Dance Your Style and the first South African dancer to be on the limited-edition Red Bull can, Tebza Diphehlo take on Shanny J. 2019 National winner Lee Shane battled it out with Durban regional winner Verb in the semi-final round. 

“I am in disbelief and excited to be heading to the World Final; this is where the training will get tougher and intense. I take the opportunity to train everyday, in preparation for the national final I took time off to let my body recover to make sure I perform at my best. In the waacking and voguing community it is a norm to put on a big performance - we change outfits constantly, we present a new character and embody different styles and feelings to bring the music to life - I am glad I had the opportunity to showcase those elements throughout the final rounds. I was very present and lived in the moment of every round; that for me was amazing about the final.”, says the winner of Red Bull Dance Your Style in South Africa, Shanny J. 

This livestreamed battle showcased South African versatility in dance style such as sbujwa, krumping, waacking, pantsula and more were showcased in full effect at this street dance battle. 

 The top 16 dancers were a combination of wildcards, regional winners and online entry winners. 

 The Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final will take place on 4 December at Montecasino in Johannesburg. You can be part of the audience to determine the best street dancer in the world, purchase your ticket here