The Vancouver-based Brotherhood dance team has climbed to the top of the international dance scene through relentless dedication and a unique competitive format. The team, founded in 2011 by Scott Forsyth, has evolved from a local group into a global powerhouse, earning back-to-back gold medals at the World Hip Hop Internationals and appearing on NBC's World of Dance.
A Path to the Top
Humuza Bazira, now 23, started dancing at age 13 and auditioned for Brotherhood a year later without success. He made the team in Grade 9 and now competes as part of the adult team. The squad is preparing for an International Dance League (IDL) sanctioned competition at the University of British Columbia, facing off against Los Angeles-based GRV. This marks the first IDL event in Vancouver.
Rigorous Training
Bazira and his teammates rehearse seven days a week, spending four to five hours in the studio plus additional individual practice at home. 'There is a level of natural ability, but 99 per cent is continuous, hard practice,' Bazira said. 'I probably put in six to eight hours daily, which is pretty normal at this level.'
The International Dance League
The IDL is a professional dance league with six teams from Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. It hosts five series on four continents, leading to the IDL Championships in Los Angeles on September 20. Unlike talent contests, the IDL features elite teams performing open-style choreographed routines in a two-round format.
Brotherhood founder Scott Forsyth compares the IDL to 'F1 meets America's Best Dance Group,' with Olympic-style standings where teams accumulate points throughout the season. The league emphasizes stylistic athleticism and stamina among its ten judging categories, making dance more like a sport.
Building a Legacy
Since forming Brotherhood in Surrey in 2011, Forsyth and his team have grown into a global force. The affiliated Studio North, with locations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Toronto, provides training for all ages and has become an incubator for future Brotherhood talent. The team continues to win accolades, including a recent victory in New York.
The Vancouver Series is the second round of the IDL season, and Brotherhood aims to secure a strong standing for the championship. With their intense preparation and track record, they are poised to make an impact on the world stage once again.
