Ballito dancer is world champ!

Jed Bullock has conquered the world stage, returning from Germany with his new title, World Champion.

The Ashton College pupil represented SA in the International Dance Organisation (IDO) Street Dance World Championship in Bochum Germany from September 24 to 28.

Thirty-four countries competed. SA sent a team of 50 dancers, of which Bullock and his duo partner Lucretius Masanga from Jo’burg, were the only ones to qualify for seven events.

Seventy dancers and five rounds later, Jed and Masanga, secured first place in the duo juniors (12 – 15 years) Hip Hop event making them the world champions.

“Last year I only made it to one final and placed fifth overall. This year out of nowhere I made it into four finals out of seven and won first place,” said Bullock.

They went on to grab a second place in the duo juniors popping event and the medals did not stop there.

“We have to showcase what we can do in one minute. You have to show confidence, facial expressions and energy,” said Bullock.

Jed was one of 64 dancers to compete in the solos all styles battle event. After the first round the number was cut down to the top 16 where Bullock snatched third place.

For hip hop solos Bullock placed sixth out of a total of 71 dancers and his crew ‘Dye-Namic’ took fifth place in the crew battles.

Jed’s favourite events are hip hop solos and the all style solo battles.

“For solos I am free to do what I want and I have the opportunity to express myself more.”

His parents, trainers and mentors, DanceWeb studio’s co-owners Craig and Mandy Bullock, travel with Jed and support him at all his competitions. However for the first time Mandy had to stay behind.

“I live streamed every single event from home. I was so impressed and it was extremely emotional watching him go through the rounds seeing him get stronger,” said Mandy.

The young dancer trained hard fitting in as much training as possible in between school and sport.

“Reaching Jed’s level of dance is not only about having ability, but you must put in the time and be disciplined,” said Craig.

“One of Jed’s top qualities besides his creativity and talent is his musicality. He has the mature ability to understand and interpret music so well,” said Mandy.

“When I cannot physically dance I listen to a lot of music. I cannot live without music,” said Jed

If you would like to sponsor Jed in defending his title in 2015 please contact Mandy or Craig Bullock at info@danceweb.co.za.