In the vibrant world of South Africa’s street dance culture, where movement brings expression and joy, Red Bull Dance Your Style returns to energise the nation. This global event, the world’s largest all-style freestyle dance competition, launches an exciting five-city qualifier series this week, on the hunt for the dancer who will represent Mzansi at the 2026 World Final in Zürich, Switzerland, on 24 October.
From its start in South Africa, Red Bull Dance Your Style has become part of the nation’s dance story. It has launched local talents onto international stages, highlighting styles that emerged from the townships and streets. Highlights include Teboho “Tebza” Diphehlo, the 2018 champion and Soweto’s pantsula expert, who appeared on a limited-edition Red Bull can as the first South African dancer to do so and Shanny J (Shannon Kivido), the 2021 standout from Boksburg, who became the first South African woman to reach the global event with her waacking and voguing skills. More recently, young stars such as Aimsley Fortuin from Cape Town in 2025 have carried on this tradition, representing the country in Los Angeles.
This year’s tour continues that legacy, visiting five notable venues over three lively weeks, each location showcasing the varied rhythms of South Africa. It kicks off on Saturday, 7 February, in Gqeberha at Shark Rock Pier, where the Eastern Cape’s top dancers will draw on the ocean setting for intense battles. The next day, Sunday, 8 February, Cape Town’s The Terrace Rooftop lights up, tapping into the Mother City’s hip-hop background – the origin of South African street culture and home to last year’s champion, Aimsley Fortuin – as established dancers from the Cape Flats meet new talents under the stars.
On Valentine’s Day, Saturday, 14 February, Bloemfontein’s Hoffman Square hosts its first qualifier, turning the Free State capital into an energetic hub where local talent from the interior shines. The action moves to Durban on Sunday, 15 February, at uShaka Marine World’s Top Arena, blending the KwaZulu-Natal coast’s GQOM origins with moves like the gwara-gwara that have gained worldwide popularity. Finally, on Saturday, 21 February, the tour ends in Johannesburg’s Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown – the birthplace of pantsula since the 1950s and now amapiano’s key hub – where the national champion will be selected.
Winners from each qualifier proceed to the National Final, with the top dancer earning the chance to represent South Africa in Zürich. All events are free and open to the public, inviting dancers aged 16 and above – no prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and style.
For more information visit www.redbulldanceyourstyle.com