Dance Mogul Magazine — Event Coverage
Juste Debout | WorldWide Street Dance Festival
The World's Largest Standing Hip-Hop Dance Competition
By Dance Mogul · Originally Published March 2, 2013 · Updated May 2026
At a Glance
Juste Debout ("Just Standing") is the world's largest international competition for standing hip-hop dance styles — popping, locking, house dance, and hip-hop new style. Founded in 2002 by Franco-Cameroonian dancer and choreographer Bruce Ykanji in France, the festival has grown from a suburban gymnasium event into a global institution that fills arenas and unites dancers from every continent. After a five-year hiatus (2020–2024), Juste Debout returned triumphantly in 2025 at the Accor Arena in Paris — and the 2026 World Finals at Stade Pierre de Coubertin proved the movement is stronger than ever.
What Juste Debout Means to Dance Mogul Magazine
For Dance Mogul Magazine, covering Juste Debout has never been just about documenting a competition. It has been about witnessing the power of dance to unite people across borders, languages, and cultures. When we first stepped into that arena, we went from hearing about this legendary event by word of mouth, to watching it on YouTube, to physically being there to serve a purpose. That progression represents everything DMM stands for — showing up, building bridges, and giving dancers the platform they deserve.
Juste Debout showed us that dance is a global language. In an industry where dancers often go unseen behind the artists they support, this competition places them center stage. It honors the craft, the culture, and the community. That mission directly aligns with ours. Dance Mogul Magazine exists to amplify the voices, stories, and journeys of dancers at every level — from the underground cipher to the world stage.
"In today's society, there are not many vehicles that can mobilize the masses, but Juste Debout has found their niche as a dance entity that is able to unite people, nations, and cultures."
— Dance Mogul Magazine
Our Original Coverage: The Moments That Mattered
When Dance Mogul Magazine first covered Juste Debout, we experienced firsthand how certain people understand the importance of collaboration. The relationships we built there became foundational to our mission.
In life, when you are trying to be positive and constantly move forward, there will always be obstacles. Sometimes you feel you have done everything in your power. But when you understand the universe, you understand that it places people in your life at the right place and right time to ensure you continue on your mission. Terry Williams is one of those people — it is not just about the dancing for us.
Video Courtesy of Bboyworld Asia
Certain people really understand what is going on and what we are trying to accomplish. Collaborations do not always have to involve money. Sometimes it is just taking you by the hand guiding you past the roadblocks they have already encountered. Sometimes it is just an early morning Skype conversation. Sometimes it is just a repost on Facebook. At the end of the day, life can make you feel alone — and we are blessed that the universe continues to align us with individuals money cannot buy.
Razvan Gorea is another one of those people. He was one of the first dancers to sit down with us as we started on our journey. He took time out of his day to tell us about dance as he saw it — coming from Romania to NYC. In a self-serving industry, it is important to find those who are selfless and Leaders.
Another father and son tag team. Miles "Baby Boogaloo" Brown was featured in Dance Mogul Magazine. Special thanks to his parents for being an example for other parents to see how they can support their children through the arts.
Video Courtesy of DS2DIO
Congratulations to Riot (Andrew Ramsey) and Ricky "Glytch" Evans for winning the opportunity to represent the USA in France in the locking competition at Juste Debout. Ricky was grinding it out at Seton Hall University years ago — he would tell us about the obstacles of being in north Jersey when his crew was down in south Jersey and Philly, and trying to balance everything. We are proud to see his hard work pay off. In time, everything always balances out when you put in the work.
Larry of Les Twins also made an appearance, alongside hip-hop royalty. This moment reinforced for us that there is a deep need for dedicated dance media — press that captures the special moments and the work of dancers from a dance perspective. Dance Mogul Magazine was founded to fill that gap. Our magazine cover at the time featured Chris Grant, one of Beyoncé's choreographers, and we have continued to feature the creative forces behind the performances the world sees.
The dream we put into the universe still stands: a Dance Media Empire that serves the community now and for generations to come. Dancers deserve a platform as powerful as the art they create. The choice is yours. The dream is in the universe — it is now in your hands to support it.
Juste Debout 2026: The Legacy Continues
After a triumphant return in 2025 at the Accor Arena in Paris, the 2026 edition of Juste Debout elevated the competition to new heights. Held on March 7–8, 2026 at the historic Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris, the festival expanded to include two major battle categories for the first time: Classic (popping, locking, house dance, hip-hop) and Afro Descendant (afro, dancehall, krump, electro) — reflecting the growing diversity and evolution of street dance culture worldwide.
The 2026 edition was preceded by Hip-Hop Dance Week (March 2–6), an immersive week of workshops, masterclasses, conferences, and parties at the Juste Debout School in Paris — featuring international judges and guest instructors including Hya, Masato, Bouboo, and Kwamé.
Juste Debout 2026 — Notable Results
Champions: Kuty & Rubix (Criminalz Crew)
Champions: Jimmy & Sam (Crew Yudat) — a breakthrough victory after years of quarter-final finishes
Champions: Mamson (2x champion) & Hiro (3x champion) — veterans who snatched victory once again
Champion: Li Yongqiu (China, age 13) — the first Chinese dancer to win the Junior world title, blending martial arts with street dance
The 2026 results reflect what makes Juste Debout extraordinary: veterans returning with renewed fire, underdogs finally breaking through, and a rising generation proving that street dance culture is alive and evolving across the globe.
Juste Debout — Upcoming Events Calendar
Juste Debout continues to expand its global footprint. Here is what dancers, fans, and the community can look forward to:
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 29, 2025 | Paris Dance Delight (8th Edition) | Théâtre de la Gaîté Montparnasse, Paris | Crew choreography competition; winner goes to Grand Finale in Japan |
| Late 2026 | JD Brasil 🇧🇷 | Brazil (City TBA) | International pre-selections and cultural exchange |
| Nov 2026 | Juste Debout U.S. Tour Registration Opens | Washington, D.C. (via Words Beats & Life) | Registration for 2027 U.S. Prelims opens at wblinc.org |
| Dec 2026 | Juste Debout U.S. Prelims | Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. | 2v2 battles in hip-hop, house, popping, locking; 4 winning duos earn all-expenses-paid trip to Paris Finals |
| Late 2026 – Early 2027 | Juste Debout World Tour Prelims | 12+ Countries (USA, China, Japan, Romania, Italy, UK, Tunisia, and more) | Global pre-selections for the 2027 World Finals in Paris |
| March 2027 | Juste Debout 2027 World Finals | Accor Arena, Paris, France | The grand finale — Classic, Afro Descendant, and Junior Dance Tour categories |
Dates and details are subject to change. Visit juste-debout.com for the latest updates.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Juste Debout is more than a competition — it is a movement. It is proof that street dance styles born in communities around the world can command stages that hold thousands. It demonstrates that popping, locking, house, and hip-hop are not subcategories — they are art forms with deep roots, global practitioners, and cultural significance that deserves the highest level of respect and visibility.
For young dancers watching from home, Juste Debout is aspirational. It shows them that their craft can take them anywhere. For parents, it is a reminder that investing in a child's passion for dance is investing in discipline, cultural literacy, and global connection. For the dance industry at large, it challenges us to keep building platforms that honor the art and the artists equally.
"The people have to stand up and create a Dance Media Empire that will be there for them now and their grandkids in the future. Dancers deserve a platform as powerful as the art they create."
— Dance Mogul Magazine
Dance Mogul Magazine will continue covering Juste Debout and events like it — not as spectators, but as partners in the mission to give dancers a voice. The legacy we are building together is larger than any one competition. It is a global movement toward empowerment, representation, and excellence in dance culture.
Join the Movement
Explore more coverage from Dance Mogul Magazine. Whether you are a dancer, parent, educator, or fan — there is a place for you in this community.
Links & Resources
Juste Debout Official Website: juste-debout.com
Juste Debout Instagram: @justedebout_officiel
Juste Debout YouTube: JUSTE DEBOUT Channel
Juste Debout U.S. Prelims (via Words Beats & Life): wblinc.org/justedebout
Kennedy Center Events: Juste Debout at the Kennedy Center
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