Inclusive And Dynamic: Embodying A Spirit Of Change In Africa's Dance Industry

In a dynamic cultural landscape where grooves meet grit, and where creativity transcends borders, Courtnaé Paul is boldly staking her claim in the male-dominated realm of hip hop and breaking.

- By Se-Anne Koopman

A true force of nature with an indomitable spirit, Courtnaé Paul is not only disrupting the status quo—she’s rewriting it entirely.

Born in Durban-South Africa’s coastal melting pot of talent, energy, and rich musical heritage-Paul’s journey began in the raw and expressive world of B-Boy battles and underground hip hop. Long before her name lit up billboards and festival lineups, she was mastering her craft on the streets—refining her movement, rhythm, and voice in spaces that rarely made room for women like her.

“I didn’t want to wait for opportunities,” Paul reflects. “I wanted to create them.”

That mindset would become the cornerstone of her career.

Starting out as a street dancer, Paul quickly distinguished herself in the breaking scene, where fluidity meets power and self-expression becomes a language of its own. Her talent, work ethic, and magnetic presence eventually led her into the world of choreography, where she transitioned from performer to creative architect.

Behind the scenes, she became a sought-after creative director for high-profile campaigns, stage productions, and music videos. Her ability to fuse movement, visual storytelling, and cultural relevance positioned her as a dynamic force in South Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.

But it was her bold pivot into DJing—a move that many might have seen as lateral—that, ultimately, amplified her visibility and influence across the continent.