Interview with Edmonton Dance-off Winner

Last week, Braiden Stevenson of Canada made the news for winning tickets to Britney's concert by winning a dance-off in a mall. BritneySpears.com caught up with Braiden to hear all about what it was like to win those tickets.



How long have you been a fan of Britney and what was your relationship to Britney before this happened?

I really have been a fan of Britney since the beginning.  She is one of the first artists that I remember their first single and everyone saying that she is going to be huge!  I always was a fan but my love for her music definitely blew up with Blackout.  I thought it was one of the best CD's I have ever listened to.  Usually when I get an album there are a few songs that I will like, but with Blackout I Loved EVERY song.  Circus was awesome as well.  I think she should keep up with a new album every December, because they are just getting better all the time, so why slow down now!

What is the story of this dance competition? How did you find out about it? What did you have to do to win? What did you feel like while it was happening?

The dance competition was put on by West Edmonton Mall.  I was visiting a friend in Edmonton for a few days before the competition.  It was about 10:30 am when I woke up to my phone ringing, and when I answered it, it was my friend Corrine, who works at the mall, telling me about signs she had seen up in the mall.  She had said that there was going to be a dance class taught and then a dance off for 2 VIP Britney tickets and that I better get up and get to the mall by noon. I wasn't going to miss the opportunity, so I went got ready quickly and went to the mall.  The class was street jazz and I was able to really get into the choreography, I wanted to win! Once we had performed in smaller groups the 3 judges picked the top 5 and then they announced the "surprise challenge."  The challenge was a 1 minute lip-sync to any one of Britney's "My Prerogative, Greatest Hits"  CD. It is one thing for a guy to be able to do the choreography but to have to be Britney and pretend to sing a song is a whole different challenge.  So I figured I shouldn't put to much thought into it and just do something that I can be funny with, so I chose "Lucky."   I was super cheesy and really dramatic, but I guess it paid off because the judges said that I really "went for it, and didn't hold back."  SO I WON! 

What was the moment like when you won?

I was super excited when I won. Unfortunately, my friend was at work so I didn't have anyone to celebrate with but after the whole thing I ran over to where she works and we did a little happy dance!

How was the Britney concert? Had you wanted to go before you won the tickets?

I thought the concert was awesome!!!  The whole theme of the circus was perfect.  Everything from the specialty acts that started the show and the 3-ring set up of the stage made the concert wicked!!  
I actually had tickets for the Miami show, however last minute I was flown back to Canada and missed the show.  I was able to give my ticket to a friend minutes before the concert and he said the show was fantastic too!  Then I was trying to get tickets to Edmonton but they were completely sold out!  So I guess it was all meant to be!!!

As a dancer, what is the significance of Britney?

I think I love Brit's music so much because being a dancer, everything she does is completely dance-able.  She has some of the best club music there is, and there is just a energy when one of her singles are being played at a bar, everyone always gets on the dance floor.  I think especially these days, that she is ruling the dance charts!!!

What is your favorite Britney dance routine in a video? in the show? And why?

My favorite music video is 'Womanizer!!'  It has a great story and great dancing!  'Circus' is awesome too, and for older stuff, Slave and Toxic are pretty sick as well!!
My Favorite part of the concert was 'Circus' and the 'Touch of my Hand' flying section.  The Bollywood was also a great idea for a spin on the song.

*1st photo courtesy of Ben Lemphers / for Metro Edmonton