It’s been a full month since the Red Bull Dance Your Style New Zealand Qualifier, and the energy still hasn’t settled.

John Vaifale, better known as Happyfeet, has done it again. Back to back champion. From the very first qualifier in 2023 to now, three years on, he continues to set the standard at the top.

This year’s event, led by Red Bull NZ alongside Hadleigh Pouesi and Bayon Kim, and supported by leaders across the street dance community, marked a serious evolution. The scale, the intention, and the execution all stepped up. It felt like a true reflection of where Aotearoa’s freestyle and battle scene is heading. More than just a competition, it created a platform that uplifts our dancers and connects them to the global stage, showing the world that New Zealand is not just present, but contributing in a meaningful way.

We were proud to have four members of Projekt Team selected in the Top 16: Villa Junior Lemanu (vi.LLAIN), Sejoo Han, Seidah Tuaoi (Slim Seidy), and Happyfeet. To see that level of representation from within our collective speaks to the depth of talent and the culture we continue to build together.

What makes this moment even more special is something rare. For the second time, the final came down to two Projekt Team dancers. In 2023, Happyfeet went head to head with Avneil Mohan (Avstract). This year, it was Happyfeet and Slim Seidy.

“all the nerves went away when we realised we both reached finals.”

There is a different feeling when you reach that point and you’re standing across from your best friend, your teammate, your family. The battle shifts. It’s no longer about winning or losing, but about showing up fully for each other.

This is a special feat, and not often seen on this scale in Aotearoa. It’s a reminder that culture creates champions, not the other way around. What we build together, how we train, and how we show up for each other, that’s what stands on those stages.

To witness two all-Projekt Team finals back to back is something we don’t take lightly. It reflects the environment, the standard, and the shared drive within the team. And the truth is, there is still so much more talent within our collective. The possibility of a third all-Projekt Team final is not out of reach.

We wish Happyfeet all the best as he heads to Zurich for the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final. Another opportunity to stand amongst the best in the world and represent Aotearoa on that stage where he truly belongs.