The World of Dance Tour 2017 is making its way around the world, and the next stop is Vilnius, Lithuania, on Saturday, June 3, 2017. If you want to get your fill of all things dance and hip hop, this is the place to be. This is the first ever World of Dance qualifier in Lithuania, so it’s not to be missed. From pop lockin and jookin’ to breakdancing and finger tuttin’, the World of Dance Lithuania competition will feature some of the best dancers in the game, plus fresh gear, DJs, vendors and more.
The Place
Why Vilnius? It’s a place where modern youth, tech, and culture meet ancient history. In 2009, the city was designated as one of 40 cities to host the European Capitals of Culture by the Council of Ministers of the European Union. In 2015, Forbes magazine noted it had the fastest internet in Europe. And in 2016, Bloomberg reported Vilnius to be the most satisfied city in Europe. Vilnius’ Old Town cradles music, theatre, art, history, clean cobblestone walking streets, and preserved architectural beauty, making it the perfect place to hold Lithuania’s first World of Dance qualifier.
The Judges
Catch up-and-comers and amazing established dancers at World of Dance Lithuania, as well as some amazing judges, including:
Melanie Benz
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Melanie Benz began dancing at the age of 4 and received training under the famed choreographer Mia Michaels. She became an NBA dancer for the Miami Heat and later toured with Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and P!NK. She’s also worked as an assistant choreographer to Tyce Diorio, choreographing for Taylor Swift’s The Red Tour, as well as the past two seasons of So You Think You Can Dance.
As a talented actress, Melanie has landed recurring roles in TV series like Brooklyn Taxi and films like Charlie’s Angels II, The Hot Chick, Malibu’s Most Wanted, and The Lincoln Lawyer. Currently, Melanie is the lead actress opposite Oscar winner Forest Whitaker in the new Johnny Depp film LAbryinth, out this September.
Bruce Almighty
World-renowned B-Boy Bruce Almighty is a member of Portugal’s MOMENTUM CREW. He has traveled the world to compete, winning Battle of the Year 2016 International, The Red Bull BC One Competition Western Europe Madrid 2015, the International Unbreakable Bboy Championship, as well as consecutive lead title events.
Fatima Wilson
Fatima Wilson is the Head of Choreography/Dance/ Commercial/ Departments at the Bloc Talent Agency in New York City. She has cast projects for international megastars like The Rolling Stones, Kelis, Seal, and U2—just to name a few.
Originally known as the co-owner and founder of Blaze Entertainment, one of Toronto’s elite entertainment companies, she soon became one of the most sought-out casting directors in Toronto, casting dancers for all aspects of the entertainment industry.
In 2007, Fatima brought her expertise to the USA to work at Bloc Talent Agency, one of the top dance agencies in the United States. She continues to grow and excel as a top booking agent, continuously pairing the right clientele with the right project.
Alien Ness
Legendary B-Boy Alien Ness (aka The “N” Word) was given his name by Grand Master Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. He is the president of the Mighty Zulu Kingz, established in 1973, and has performed with Global Super Stars like Run DMC, Salt-N-Peppa, and the Black Eyed Peas. He is also the author of The Art of Battle.
Victor Montalvo
Originally from Orlando, Florida, 23-year-old Victor Montalvo started dancing at the age of 11. He grew up around B-Boying, looking up to his father who encouraged his pursuit of the art. Today, he is inspired by both the old and new generation of B-Boys. His personal motto is, “If you believe you will achieve.” After 5 years of competing in the competition, he became a Red Bull BC One Champ 2015, proving his motto in life works. You can learn more about his life here:
Leon Kupferschmid 
Leon Kupferschmid is a former professional dancer for Cirque du Soleil . He began dancing at age 13 at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance high school. Upon graduation, he joined Scapino Ballet Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Leon was then accepted on full scholarship to The Juilliard School in New York, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2009.
He has had the privilege of performing works by Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Aszure Barton, Nicolo Fonte, as well as other respected choreographers, such as Crystal Pite, Christopher House, Idan Sharabi, and Trey McIntyre. He has also performed with the distinguished Compagnie Marie Chouinard and José Navas/Compagnie Flak in Europe, Asia, Central & South America, the United States, and Canada. In 2015, Leon joined Cirque du Soleil Casting as an artistic talent scout, specializing in both dance and actors/clowns.
Jason Ramsburg
Jason Ramsburg has over 30 years of experience in the industry, working as a trained actor, singer, dancer, and host in everything from theatre and live shows to film and television. He was named one of the world’s top tap dancers by the Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA), though he is influenced by many styles, including jazz, lyrical, ballet, contemporary, Irish dancing, ballroom, and hip-hop.
As an established entertainer, Jason has directed and choreographed some of America’s most famous live broadcasts, such as the Today show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and The White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, as well as productions for Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Singapore, and The Harlem Globetrotters World Tour. He has also taught master classes for the American Dance Convention Tour and hosted the Emmy award-winning Showstopper American Dance Championships. He is currently the Director of Live Entertainment for DXB Entertainments, the parent company for Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest theme park in the Middle East.
Anastasija Vorkunkova
Anastasija Vorkunkova is a Latvian dancer (from one of Lithuania’s Baltic Brothers), choreographer, international workshop instructor, and creator/organizer of International Choreographer’s Competition BEST SHOW LV in Latvia. She is known for her “FLUX” video and brings her judging power in the areas of House, Waacking, and AfroHouse/KuHouse dance styles.
She is also an honored member of PJD Family and Imperial House of Waacking, as well a dancer for CARMEN Opera at Latvijas Nacionālā opera un ballets.
Allan Lemaja
Alan Lemaja is a successful Brazilian teacher and choreographer for TV shows such as the Brazil’s So You Think You Can Dance. He was a Semifinalist on Britain’s Got Talent, Czech & Slovakia Got Talent, and he has carried multiple Hip Hop Championship Titles.
Brian Madika
Direct from Gothenburg, Sweden, Brian Madika is the founder of The Kings Room, an online radio broadcasting platform promoting live shows, workshops in DJing, and dance. His international cultural study project focuses on helping musicians, actors, writers, filmmakers, and visual artists turn their ideas into practical cultural projects. He is also a member of both the Leftsound Crew and Diambra CAM, a collective founded by dancer/choreographer Ambra Succi for artists based in Sweden.
Excited to go to World of Dance Lithuania? Here’s the info you need to know. You can also head over to the World of Dance site to get your tickets.
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- Venue: Loftas
- Address: Švitrigailos G. 29, Naujamiestis Vilnius, Lithuania
- Date: Saturday, June 3, 2017
- Doors Open: 11: 30 AM
- Tickets starting from €18
Hope to see you there!
Love dance as much as us? Tune into NBC’s World of Dance May 30th at 10/9 central to see the world’s best dancers battle it out for a whopping $1 million prize. Don’t miss exclusive interviews, performances, and more from the definitive source for all things NBC World of Dance.
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