Chongqing - A 13-year-old dancer from Chongqing, southwest China, has captured global attention after winning the junior championship at the Juste Debout World Finals in Paris on March 8.

Li Yongqiu, a first-year student at Nanhua Middle School in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, claimed the overall title in the Junior Dance Tour, a global youth street dance competition held as part of the renowned Juste Debout event. His victory marks the first time a Chinese dancer has secured the world championship in the competition.

Founded in 2002, Juste Debout is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious street dance competitions in the world, often described as the “World Cup of street dance.” Its Junior Dance Tour provides a platform for young dancers worldwide to compete in one-on-one freestyle battles that test not only technique but also creativity, musicality, and improvisation.

A 13-year-old dancer from Chongqing wins the junior championship at the Juste Debout World Finals in Paris on March 8. (Photo: Chongqing Liangjiang New Area)

Facing top young dancers from across the globe, Li delivered a confident and electrifying performance in the final round. His movements were sharp and precise, seamlessly blending power and rhythm while matching the music beat for beat. The performance drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd and praise from judges, with many spectators rising to their feet as the young dancer from China claimed victory on the Paris stage.

After the competition, Li expressed gratitude to his parents and coach for their support. “I’m very thankful to my parents and my coach. They’ve done so much for me,” he said.

According to his coach, Lei Kai, Li’s discipline and passion have played a crucial role in his success. The teenager trains for about two hours every day after school and spends most weekends practicing in the studio, maintaining a training schedule of five to six days a week.

A 13-year-old dancer from Chongqing wins the junior championship at the Juste Debout World Finals in Paris on March 8. (Photo: Chongqing Liangjiang New Area)

“He’s extremely self-disciplined in training,” Lei said. “Even when practicing basic moves, he repeats them again and again until they’re perfect. When I asked him why he works so hard, he simply said, ‘Street dance is really cool.’”

Li’s victory has also brought attention to his school, Nanhua Middle School in Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area. School officials said the institution encourages students to pursue their passions and develop their talents.

“Our philosophy is to help every student shine in their own way,” a school representative said.