An intense and electric journey through a multitude of genres saw Reptilez take the Red Bull Beat Battle 2012 title, proving that they are South Africa’s best dance crew. In front of a crowd of over 1500 spectators at Bassline in Newtown, Artistic Intelligence, Hlaks, Ninja Turtles, Phly Nation, Real Actions Juniors, Reptilez, Soulistic Fusion and V.I.N.T.A.G.E. set the stage alight with their dance vocabularies and tight routines. The eight crews specialise in various styles from Hip Hop to Pantsula and everything in between – with their road to the finals was paved by a gruelling six city qualification process that saw over 100 crews audition. The final was a heated battle in which Repltilez faced off against V.I.N.T.A.G.E. and won the crowd and the judges over to be crowned the 2012 champions.
“It’s unbelievable; it feels like we’re dreaming! Our aim was to make the final and it was great that we had the crowd on our side,” said the winners just as they stepped off the stage. Judge Somizi Mhlongo with was torn as he placed his vote in the final: “I voted based on consistency. The crew that won danced nonstop from beginning to end. I expected V.I.N.T.A.G.E. to win from the beginning, but in the end Reptilez brought the entertainment factor when it mattered most. The standard was high and the bar is set – Red Bull Beat Battle is the epitome of dance.” Not only was the crowd treated to the best local dance talent but some of South Africa’s best performers too – including Big Nuz , Black Motion, Pro and a special live band performance from the ever cool Kwaito kings, TKZee. SAMA winner AKA did a spectacular job of hosting the evening. Apart from the opportunity to tour the country as Red Bull Beat Battle winners and give workshops, Reptilez win a trip to watch Red Bull BC One in Brazil later this year.
