7 February 2022 14:53

Young street dancers named champions at Step into Dance's Battle 2022

‘Battle’ is an annual celebration of hip hop dance organised by Step into Dance, the UK’s largest inclusive dance programme which is run by the Royal Academy of Dance and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation. This event gives the opportunity for young dancers to come together and share their passion and flare for dance, whilst battling it out in front of their friends. The students can test their skills in solo, duo, and crew battles for the chance to be named champions. The day also featured workshops in house and breaking, rounds of knock out battles, and showcases. Students also benefit from developing other skills that they can take forward in life, like collaboration, creativity, discipline and expressing their individuality.

The event was hosted by hip-hop choreographer, dancer and teacher Yami Löfvenberg, alongside music from DJ DBO.

The judging panel who selected the winners comprised of Olu Alatise, Hakim Saber, and Roxane Hackwood, all of which are professional dancers currently working in the industry. Closing the day of vibrant dance battles, a range of awards were announced and presented to the young dancers by RAD’s Artistic Director Gerard Charles. The winners were:

• All Styles Crew: Zoonation Youth Company
• Breaking Crew: Praxis Performing Arts
• Solo Winner: D'jon Mcternan
• Duo Winner: Caine Harrison

Gerard Charles, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance, commented: “I always enjoy attending Step into Dance’s Battle as it is such a positive and energising event. It is a fantastic showcase of talented young people and a great chance for them to meet each other, to share their skills, enthusiasm, and also to encourage each other. It is a true celebration of dance and how it brings people of all ages and backgrounds together. It was so exciting to see the dancers participate in workshops, and most importantly to have fun.”