'I focused on dance like my life depended on it,' says award-winning b-girl Courtnaé Paul

JOHANNESBURG - Taking an unwavering leap of faith exposed her to the world. She dropped her Bachelor of Commerce studies and disappointed her family due to their career conventions.

Nevertheless, she left Durban for Johannesburg at 21 to take the world by dance. She had no clue what to expect.

Award-winning, internationally recognised b-girl, choreographer and DJ Courtnaé Paul would later realise that she had followed her passion.

She started the year with a bang by bagging the Red Bull BC One SA title.

“Red Bull BC One is the most prestigious breaking competition in the world. Red Bull has invested years into our scene and communities and in turn, it has changed lives. So, coming from a place with very few platforms and opportunities, winning or even just competing on such a platform, puts you on a global stage, and exposes you to further opportunities.”

The Durbanite hopes to represent South Africa in the first-ever Olympic-breaking competition, in Paris 2024.

“My next targets are performing to the best of my abilities at the Olympic Qualifier Series events and subsequently qualifying for the 2024 Olympics Games, as well as leaving a mark in Brazil later this year at the Red Bull BC One World Final.”

The Red Bull BC One SA title is Paul’s second title, after securing her first one in 2021.

“And as much as I want to be part of the global conversation, competing and winning at home will always be extremely important to me. This kind of title comes with great validation, something tangible for all the effort and work done,” she said.

"It’s also a great way to ensure future generations see high-level breaking with quality production, it will make convincing their parents to let them dance a little easier.”

She tells Eyewitness News that she hopes the sport can attract more financial and structural support, including a general interest and understanding.

 “I’d like to see the implementation of a Breaking Association that looks after the interests of breakers within this space, as well as more development programs to usher breakers into the sport from a grassroots level.”
 
Paul’s journey has taught her that life is short and that she had to follow her passion despite people's understanding or approval of her dance or path.

“When I left Durban to chase a career in dance, I don’t think me, nor my family knew what to expect. With very few success stories to reference in the South African world of dance and even less in the world of breaking, my family were definitely scared for my future - and rightfully so. I had no formal training or family money to fall back on, it was a huge risk.”

At 21, she moved from Durban to Johannesburg to take a leap of faith and chase her dream.

“I was studying a BCom in business at the time, and I think that gave my mother some hope. Where I come from, work security and stability are of utmost importance, but that quickly changed when I decided to drop out and focus on dance like my life depended on it. My life did, in fact, depend on it. Now, I think my family breathes a little easier when I tell them my new plans.”
 
The multi-talented athlete has taught, performed, and competed all over the world, worked with massive local and international artists, headlined shows, featured in ads, and worked on multiple TV and awards shows.

But she says none of it is fulfilling like waking up every day to do what she loves.
 
“This art form has the ability to change lives, the ability to take nothing and turn it into something. Our country has little opportunity for the youth, why not invest in a sport that is rich in culture, community, and history, and promotes good health.”