Årets prisvinner er en sann pioner og en som har vært sentral for veksten, synligheten og utdanningen av streetdance i Norge, både i undergrunnsscenen, på de store scenene og i studioene.
Paulo «Paulito» Herrera slo gjennom på 1980-tallet og var allerede aktiv i miljøet før mange av oss i det hele tatt hadde hørt om hiphop. Gjennom legendariske crews som B.O.L.T. Warhead, Suicide Crew, Natural Effects og senere Circle, har han vært med på å forme norsk streetdance og hiphop-kultur.
Fra begrunnelsen:
In battles, he left a mark.
On stage, he pushed boundaries.
And with his vision for choreography and professionality he built foundations that hundreds of dancers in this country stand on today.
In 2002, he created Circle Streetdance Company in partnership with Huyen Huynh, and later on the dance studio Circle and Circle Productions – an event- and film production company, both of which became vital hubs for the street dance community. He also helped bring Hip Hop into the national spotlight through performances on NRK’s Kjempesjansen, major festivals like Roskilde, and classic productions like West Side Story at Oslo Nye Teater. Circle also performed at The Royal Palace – marking the 100 years anniversary of Norway’s dissolution of the union. A huge statement that Hip Hop marked the future of Norwegian culture.
But beyond the titles and performances, Paulito has always been about something deeper.
Creating space. Creating opportunity. Building bridges. Teaching with passion.
Making sure that this culture was not just seen, but understood and respected.
From grassroots jams to institutional teaching. From theater stages to youth clubs.
His impact is everywhere. And it continues.
In 2021, he was named an honorary member of Kingwings Crew, and today, we follow in that same tradition of respect.
For over 30 years of dedication, innovation, and inspiration, we are proud to present the Soul Sessions Oslo Honor Award 2025 to a true OG and cornerstone of Norwegian street dance:
Paulo “Paulito” Herrera
Soul Sessions Oslo
