Red Bull's 'Dance Your Style' event kickoff ignites a Footwork Frenzy in Chicago
By: Jimmie Sykes
Photo/edit by: Jimmie Sykes (Write to Make it Right)
It was a rainy Wednesday evening on the North Side of Chicago, but that wasn't enough to dampen the excitement. Anticipation was buzzing for Red Bull's "Dance Your Style" competition, an all-style global showcase of dance that pits the best against each other in an electrifying battle format.
As I made my way to the event, passing by iconic sports landmarks like Guaranteed Rate Stadium and Soldier Field, I couldn't help but feel the energy in the air. It was an unpredictable evening set in store, ready to be fueled by festivity. Finally, I arrived near Wrigley Field, a place I had heard so much about but had never visited before. I was excited to experience all the good times I had heard so much about in Wrigleyville.
But before the event began, I found myself lounging in the media section at Hotel Zachary, connecting with other media attendees and sharing stories of our work, favorite music, and movies. The hospitality by Red Bull and the hotel's staff was second to none, with drinks and delicious catered food that helped break the ice and set the tone for a night of unforgettable entertainment.
As the competition got underway, the energy in the room was palpable. The dancers brought their A-game, showcasing their unique styles and pushing themselves to the limit with each track blasting through the speakers. The partygoers were on their feet, cheering and screaming as the performers battled it out on the floor.
Photo/edit by: Jimmie Sykes (Write to Make it Right)
As soon as the doors to Dance Your Style swung open, the partygoers wasted no time hitting the dance floor. The energy in Soundbar was absolutely electric, with dancers of all backgrounds finding their rhythm through their moves. As I looked around, I was blown away by the immense blending of dance styles on display - from the infamous footwork to the pulsating house dances.
The dancers were in full swing all night, some dancing in unison, others going solo, and some even in friendly competition with one another. The music was expertly curated by Chicago's own Derrick Carter and RP Boo, who had the crowd grooving from 7 pm to 10 pm. Their homegrown sounds provided the perfect backdrop for a night of dancing and cultural appreciation.
Photo/edit by: Jimmie Sykes (Write to Make it Right)
A feeling of unity and celebration was alive and well at the Dance Your Style kickoff in Chicago, where dancers from all walks of life came together to show off their moves and support one another. It's events like this that truly make the city shine, and we can only hope to see more opportunities for dancers to showcase their skills in the future.
By the end of the night, the crowd had witnessed an incredible display of skill and creativity from some of the city’s best dancers. As the rain continued to fall outside, inside the venue, the atmosphere was electric, and the memories made that night will last a lifetime.
If you're feeling inspired, you'll be happy to know that the Red Bull Dance Your Style competition is hitting cities across the US, starting with regional qualifiers in Memphis on March 25th. In other cities such as Los Angeles to Boston, dancers will have the chance to show off their skills and battle for a spot in Dance Your Style Weekender USA, which will take place in Chicago at Morton's Salt Factory from May 18-20.
This year's competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with dancers from all over the world competing for the ultimate prize. Follow @redbulldance on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and catch a glimpse of the incredible dance moves on display. Whether you're a seasoned dance pro or a casual observer, you won't want to miss this jam-packed year of global dance competition.
