The atmosphere of THE SYDE tournament and an unexpected turn of events
Saturday morning at THE SYDE tournament started theoretically like any other competition day. Warm-up, checking the floor, a quick coffee, and trying to find the right focus before the first rounds. As a dancer from Knurów who has spent almost her entire life on stage, I should theoretically be used to the pre-selection routine. However, what happened during the pre-selection stage exceeded the expectations of everyone in the room. It wasn't just an ordinary display of skills in front of the judges. It was a moment where pure energy and competitive fire took control of our bodies, turning a regular performance into something people will remember for months.
It all started the moment we were called to the center. I was supposed to dance in a pair with Aleks, whom I've known for a long time and respect deeply. In theory, we were just supposed to present our styles, dancing side by side for the judges so they could assess our level and decide on advancement to the next stages. But the music that day had something so magnetic about it that from the first second, I felt the tension rising within me. We looked at each other, and in a split second, we both knew this wouldn't be a polite showcase. Our rivalry, which usually slumbers under a cloak of friendship, suddenly exploded with immense force.
As soon as the bass hit the walls of the hall, we stopped being the Wiktoria and Aleks from training. We became two predators fighting for dominance on that patch of floor. It's incredible how dance can bring out emotions in a person that we don't show on a daily basis. Hip hop is a style based on rhythm and character, but that day every move was fueled by pure adrenaline. Every step of mine was a response to his taunt, every gesture of his was a provocation I had to react to even more strongly. It was a real dance war that started much earlier than it should have.
45 seconds of madness - when the judges stand up
What lasted only forty-five seconds felt like hours in my head. At one point, we stopped dancing next to each other – we started dancing at each other. We jumped around each other, closing the distance to a minimum, which happens very rarely in traditional pre-selections. Usually, everyone guards their own space, but here all the rules ceased to apply. I saw in his eyes the same thing as in mine – relentlessness and a desire to prove who had more fire. People around us started screaming, and I felt the temperature in the room rise by several degrees.
The audience's reaction was immediate. Suddenly, everyone who had been sitting quietly in the stands or talking on the side started running toward the center of the floor. A tight circle formed, and a forest of hands with phones shot up to capture what was happening. Even the judges, who have seen hundreds of battles all over the world in their lives, couldn't hold back. I saw out of the corner of my eye as they stood up from their chairs and moved closer so as not to miss any detail. It was a moment where the line between a competition and a street show of strength completely blurred.
Hip hop dance is about authenticity, and in that moment, there was nothing more real than our conflict on the floor. I used every muscle to reflect the power of the beats in the music, and my movements became increasingly aggressive and confident. I felt I had control over it, even though emotions were at their peak. This is exactly what I love about being a dancer – the ability to release everything inside you in a creative yet ruthless way toward your opponent. Those 45 seconds were the essence of why I started training in the first place.
Rivalry vs. friendship - a thin line in the dance world
Many observers who don't know our community might think that after such a clash, we wouldn't want to shake hands. After all, it looked as if we truly hated each other. But in dance, the rules are clear – what happens on the floor stays on the floor. When the music stopped and we were barely catching our breath, the first thing we did was a strong hug and a high-five. This sudden shift in energy from warlike to respectful is one of the most beautiful things in this sport. Respect is earned through exactly this kind of uncompromising attitude.
Outside of the competition, we are just buddies. Aleks and I support each other during training, exchange notes, and motivate each other to be better. However, when we enter the circle, that relationship is suspended. I think that is exactly a sign of the highest professionalism and maturity. I couldn't give a hundred percent if I spared my opponent just because I like him. On the contrary – the fact that I value him forces me to dance at the highest level because I know he won't forgive me for any mistake. This is healthy competition that pushes us all forward.
I often tell my students at Soulab studio that on stage you must be confident and show your strength, but after stepping off it, you must remain human. Dance is a language, and a battle is a conversation – sometimes very sharp and full of emotions expressed through body movement, but after it ends, we should still be able to sit together at one table. This event at THE SYDE was a perfect example of how bonds are built in our culture. We went through fire, and it only strengthened my relationship with Aleks.
How to mentally prepare for such intensity
I get a lot of questions from you about how I handle such situations and if I'm afraid. The truth is that fear is always present, but the key is to channel it into energy for the attack. A dancer's training isn't just practicing steps in front of a mirror; it's primarily working on your mindset. You have to be ready for someone to challenge you at any moment in a way you're not prepared for. My journey from ballet to the world championship has taught me that discipline and physical preparation give me peace of mind when chaos erupts on the floor.
When you stand face to face with someone who wants to destroy you dance-wise, you can't think about what you'll have for dinner. You have to be in the here and now. My concentration during those 45 seconds was at a level that cannot be described in words. I saw every micro-movement of my rival and immediately knew how to respond to it. This is the state we call being in the zone. To achieve it, you need hours spent in the training room, repeating the basics until they become second nature. Only then, in the heat of battle, can your body act instinctively.
It's also worth remembering musicality. It's what guides you through the battle. Even in the greatest heat of the fight, you can't forget what the DJ is playing. At THE SYDE, the music was so powerful that it practically forced that aggressive tempo on us. Listening to the rhythm allows you to maintain control over your emotions. If you let yourself be carried away only by anger, you'll lose technique and fluidity. If you stick only to technique, you'll be boring. The perfect balance is a combination of masterful control and authentic, raw feeling bursting from your chest.
Why such moments are important for the dance community
The video of this battle quickly became popular online, and for good reason. People crave authenticity. In a world where many things are staged, such a pure, unplanned explosion of energy is something special. For young dancers following my journey, it's a lesson that it's worth giving your all from the first second of the competition. Pre-selections aren't just a formality; they're a chance to make your presence known and show the judges that you came for the win. You never know who is watching and what emotions your dance will evoke.
Such situations build the legend of tournaments. I will remember THE SYDE precisely through the prism of this fight. This builds the identity of our dance scene in Poland. It shows that we have world-class dancers who can create a spectacle worthy of the biggest stages, even in a small gym during pre-selections. This inspires others to work harder. Seeing such passion, other dancers also want to train harder so they can one day stand in such a circle and feel the same. Dance is about passing energy along, and that day, the energy was almost tangible.
In summary, Saturday's war on the floor was a reminder for me of why I love what I do. Dance gives me a freedom I can't find anywhere else. It allows me to be strong, relentless, and combative, while also teaching humility and respect for another person. If you haven't seen the recording on my profile yet, be sure to catch up. Watch those 45 seconds that reminded me that there are no limits in dance, and every moment on the floor can become historic. See you at the next competition – I promise there will be no shortage of fire!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dance competition destroy a friendship? Absolutely not, if both sides are professional. In hip hop culture, a fierce battle on the floor is an expression of the highest respect for the opponent. After the battle ends, dancers usually high-five and remain on good terms, just like Aleks and I.
How to handle emotions during a dance battle? The key is to focus on the music and technique. Emotions should be fuel for your movements, not a reason to lose control. Regular training and experience in stressful situations help maintain composure even in the most intense moments.
Why do judges stand up during some performances? Judges stand up when the level of energy and skill on the floor is so high that they want to see every detail up close. It's an expression of recognition for the dancers and a signal that something special is happening that goes beyond the standard level of competition.
What is more important in hip hop: technique or character? The ideal dancer combines both. Without technique, dance loses its quality, but without authentic character, movement becomes empty and mechanical. The best competitors can express themselves while maintaining perfect control over their bodies.