Street dance has always carried an energy that feels impossible to ignore. From the early days of hip-hop block parties in New York to viral clips spreading across social media today, the culture has consistently pushed boundaries in music, fashion and self-expression. For many of us, the first encounter was through music videos on TV. I still remember seeing RUN DMC vs Jason Nevins’ It’s Like That on Top of the Pops. I was completely mesmerised by the dance moves and patiently waited each week to view the video on TOTP.
That memory came back recently when thinking about how to expand the creative horizons of my two children. They’re both familiar with art galleries, often surrounded by music and fashion at home, and encouraged to make and experiment. But what about something less traditional? Something rooted in community and live performance? That’s where street dance felt like the perfect avenue. So when we heard that the Red Bull Dance Your Style national finals were taking place in Birmingham, we knew it was the ideal chance to immerse them in a new creative world.
A different kind of stage
I first came across Red Bull Dance Your Style after watching Japanese freestyle dancer D SoraKi’s now infamous I’m Coming Out routine at the 2022 final in Johannesburg. I showed the clip to Mila and Hari and they were instantly hooked; Mila even added the legendary Diana Ross track to her playlist of favourite songs. The competition is designed to spotlight the diversity and vibrancy of street dance culture. Unlike traditional contests with rigid choreography, this is about adaptability and instinct. National battles are held across the world, with winners going on to represent their country at the finals. This year, the final will be taking place in LA.
Each dancer faces an opponent in a freestyle showdown, with no idea which track will come on next. They have between 30 seconds and a minute to make an impression, showcasing not just skill, but personality. Uniquely, it’s the audience who decides the winner, waving Red Bull flags to cast their vote. This format creates an atmosphere of unpredictability and fun. It also strips away hierarchy: the power lies with the crowd, and every dancer has the chance to win them over.
First impressions
From the moment we arrived, the energy was so exciting, a feeling Mila and Hari picked up on. Before the final began, dance workshops were held for the audience to take part in. Children as young as six were dancing confidently alongside older performers, holding their own with remarkable flair. For my two, it was eye-opening. They were surrounded by people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures, united by a shared love of movement and music. There was an undeniable sense of camaraderie: dancers cheered one another on, lifted each other up, and celebrated every small win. In a world that often frames competition as cut-throat, it was refreshing to see such positivity in action.
Whenever someone landed a particularly intricate move, a pop, lock or spin, the crowd erupted. The kids couldn’t help but join in, waving their Red Bull flags enthusiastically and cheering for their favourites. The soundtrack moved seamlessly across genres, from hip-hop to funk, electronic to pop, giving them a musical education as much as a visual one.
Why street dance matters for kids
Introducing children to street dance isn’t only about rhythm or fitness (though it certainly involves both). It’s about creativity in it’s purest form: responding in the moment, using the body as an instrument, and telling a story without words. For kids, it can also build resilience, confidence and collaboration.
Unlike some creative pursuits that are solitary, dance is inherently social. You learn by watching others, joining in, and feeding off the energy of a group. For Mila and Hari, watching dancers of all levels embrace the spotlight was a powerful reminder that creativity thrives when shared.
“I loved seeing the different dancers and watching their dance styles. It was really good seeing how each dancer encouraged each other even though they were in a competition. It was great watching the crew battles because of how they had to work together and come up with the same dance moves.”
— Mila, Age 9
Takeaways
Walking away from the event, I felt grateful that the kids had experienced a different side of creativity, one that isn’t framed by galleries or sketchbooks, but by music, movement and fashion. They saw first-hand how creativity can unite people, cross boundaries, and be celebrated by a community.
For parents looking to inspire their children, street dance offers an accessible, vibrant and deeply rewarding outlet. Whether or not the kids decide to take it up themselves, they’ve now glimpsed a culture where confidence and creativity collide. And that, for me, feels like the best kind of takeaway.
““I liked waving the flag when we had to vote for the winner in each round – it was so much fun.”
— Hari, Age 5”
Upcoming Street Dance Events 2025/26
Ready to watch some street dance battles? Here’s a list of competitions and events taking place over the next coming year to experience as a family.
BDO Street Dance Competition Regional, Oct—Nov 2025.
South East Street Dance Championships, 14th Nov 2025.
UDO British Dance Festival, March 13th 2026.
Move It Dance Championships, 20—22 Mar 2026.
Standout Street Dance Events, Nov 2025 — May 2026.
