At just 21 years old, Ringo Winbee has already carved her name into the global street dance scene as a force of precision, creativity, and unshakable passion. From her early days in Kanagawa’s underground battles to claiming world titles and facing off against legends like Gucchon and Kid Boogie, Ringo’s journey is a testament to the power of rhythm and resilience. In this exclusive interview.
Early Years & Inspiration:
What sparked your interest in dance at such a young age?
When I was 5 years old, my father, who danced as a hobby, invited me to join him. That was the moment it all began.
Who or what were your earliest influences or inspirations in the dance world?
Maika from RushBall. At first, I aspired to make it in hip-hop, and during that time, I was drawn to Maika, a rising young dancer. Her style—expressing joy through movement while fully embracing the music—inspired me deeply. Later, when I saw her mastering popping skills, I decided to learn popping too. Once I started, I fell in love with it and shifted my focus to becoming a popping dancer. During this phase, I trained under KITE, adopting his unique “feeling,” while also drawing inspiration from HOAN’s musicality.
Can you describe your initial training and how it shaped your style?
My training routine involved 2 hours of foundational drills and over 2 hours of freestyle practice. For the basics, I prioritized repetition and volume. During freestyle, I’d mimic famous dancers or challenge myself with themed improvisations to expand my creativity. By absorbing and blending diverse styles purely, I developed a one-of-a-kind approach. I also dedicated myself to mastering fundamentals like popping, which allowed me to deliver sharp, powerful hits—a rarity for female dancers at the time.
Why did you choose to specialize in popping? What aspects of this style captivated you most?
Popping allows me to express music directly, which I find deeply captivating. I love music, and I enjoy obsessing over how to translate the texture of each individual sound into movement. It’s also thrilling to see how refining my skills expands my creative possibilities.
What unique techniques or elements have you developed within the popping style?
My ability to combine sharp pops with a strong groove. Having trained in hip-hop and other styles for years, I’m confident in my groove foundation. I’ve mastered blending that groove with powerful pops to create something distinctive.
How do you continue to evolve and innovate within the popping genre?
I relentlessly pursue musical exploration, practicing how to sync my movements with music at the highest quality. I’m also constantly experimenting with new moves to expand my vocabulary.
You’ve competed extensively both domestically and internationally. Could you share a memorable experience from your early competitions?
Ten years ago at OBS (Taiwan), where I placed second. After battling legends like Pop Pop Joe and Poppin’ ED, I faced HOZIN in the finals. It felt miraculous—I’d only been popping for four years at the time. The crowd’s overwhelming support and energy fueled my performance.
What is your approach to preparing for major battles or competitions? What mental or physical strategies do you use?
I keep it simple. I avoid overthinking and focus on staying true to my everyday self. That said, I prioritize consistent physical training and building stamina.
Looking back on your competitive career, which victory or achievement are you most proud of, and why? (e.g., UDO World Championships)
Winning the UDO World Championships is my proudest moment. I was only 16 years old at the time, and claiming the world title gave me immense confidence in my abilities.
What are your current goals and ambitions as a dancer?
To become a globally renowned dancer and achieve even greater results in major competitions. I also want to share the inspiration behind my dance with as many people as possible. My ultimate life goal is for my existence to give someone a reason to keep going.
Do you have any specific projects or collaborations planned for the future?
I’m currently organizing K-POP-focused events, including dance battles and showcases exclusively for K-POP music. I aim to grow them into large-scale, world-class events, something on the level of RedBull Dance Your Style.
I’ve launched a team called VIREL!
Together with young Japanese popping dancers, we’ll create dance content blending K-POP and Popping!
What advice would you give to aspiring dancers dreaming of similar success?
A bright future will appear if you push through the grind and hardships—no matter how many times you fall, keep getting back up and putting in the work. And never stop dreaming! Never stop chasing your goals!
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