Auckland’s dance crew, Yung ID, has achieved a remarkable victory at the prestigious World of Dance Summit held in Los Angeles. The group, part of the Identity Dance Company (IDCO), secured first place in the junior team championship, marking a significant milestone in their competitive journey. The win, announced on social media, came with a cash prize of US$5,000 (approximately $8,400).

The World of Dance Summit took place this week, showcasing talent from around the globe. Yung ID earned their spot in the finals after a stellar performance that led them to clinch first place in the World of Dance New Zealand chapter earlier this year, in April 2025. Their success at the summit highlights not only their skill but also the growing prominence of New Zealand in international dance competitions.

The announcement of their victory on Instagram conveyed the team’s excitement and pride, stating, “proud is an understatement.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the hard work and dedication the dancers have put into their craft.

Significance of the Win

Winning at the World of Dance Summit not only brings financial rewards but also elevates the profile of Yung ID on an international stage. With this recognition, the dancers are poised to attract greater opportunities, including potential collaborations and sponsorships.

Competitions like these are crucial for dancers, as they provide a platform to showcase their talent and connect with other professionals in the industry. As the dance community continues to expand, events such as the World of Dance Summit foster networking and inspire young performers to pursue their passions.

Yung ID’s success reflects the dedication of the Identity Dance Company, known for its commitment to nurturing young talent. The company has been instrumental in providing a supportive environment for dancers to hone their skills and express their creativity.

The Path to Victory

The journey to the World of Dance Summit began with Yung ID’s triumph in their local chapter. Competing against other talented teams in New Zealand, their performance captured the attention of judges and audiences alike. This victory not only qualified them for the international competition but also instilled a sense of confidence that propelled them forward.

During the finals in Los Angeles, Yung ID faced intense competition from various international teams. Their choreography, characterized by a blend of innovative styles and precise execution, distinguished them from their peers. The judges recognized their hard work and creativity, ultimately awarding them the top prize.

As Yung ID celebrates their remarkable achievement, their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring dancers everywhere. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for dance, the team exemplifies what can be accomplished through hard work and collaboration. The future looks bright for Yung ID, as they continue to make their mark on the global dance stage.

Harry Jowsey, the Kiwi reality TV star, has recently attracted attention after being seen holding hands with the acclaimed Australian singer Sia. The two were photographed leaving an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles over the weekend, prompting speculation about a potential romance between the pair.

The images, first reported by Page Six, show Jowsey, aged 28, and Sia, who is 49, in a seemingly intimate moment. Their 21-year age difference has not deterred the public’s curiosity regarding this budding connection. While representatives for both stars have yet to comment on the sighting, they appeared comfortable together, which adds fuel to the ongoing speculation.

This outing comes just four months after Sia announced the end of her marriage to Dan Bernard. The singer’s relationship status has been a topic of interest, and her recent appearance with Jowsey has undoubtedly intensified discussions surrounding her personal life.

Upcoming Projects for Jowsey

In addition to his personal life capturing headlines, Jowsey is preparing for the release of his upcoming Netflix series titled Let’s Marry Harry. The show will chronicle his journey to find a wife, assisted by his close friend, Alex Cooper, who is well-known as the host of the popular podcast Call Her Daddy. This new project marks a significant step in Jowsey’s career, following his breakout role in the reality series Too Hot To Handle.

As the entertainment world watches closely, both Jowsey and Sia are likely to remain in the spotlight. Whether this pairing develops into something more or remains a brief moment of intrigue is yet to be seen, but their recent outing has certainly piqued the interest of fans and media alike.

The chief executive of the US-based tech company Astronomer, Andy Byron, has resigned following an incident at a Coldplay concert in Boston. Byron was filmed on a kiss cam embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s HR director, which drew significant attention on social media. The footage quickly went viral, prompting discussions about professional conduct and accountability within the firm.

In a statement issued on October 10, 2023, Astronomer confirmed Byron’s resignation, stating, “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.” The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to its values and culture, asserting, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”

The incident has raised questions about workplace relationships and the expectations placed on executives. As the video circulated online, many users expressed shock, particularly given Byron’s status as a married individual. The subsequent scrutiny has led to a broader conversation about the implications of personal actions on professional environments.

Astronomer, known for its data orchestration technology, has emphasized that it remains dedicated to maintaining a standard of integrity within its leadership. The Board of Directors is expected to discuss the appointment of an interim CEO as the company moves forward in the wake of this unexpected leadership change.

While the incident has sparked controversy, it also highlights the challenges faced by executives in navigating personal and professional boundaries, particularly in the age of social media where private moments can quickly become public. As companies increasingly emphasize corporate culture, the actions of their leaders are under greater scrutiny than ever before.

Moving ahead, Astronomer will likely focus on reinforcing its values and ensuring that its leadership exemplifies the conduct expected within the organization. The company’s response to this situation may set a precedent for how it manages similar issues in the future.

Digital Extremes showcased their upcoming title, Soulframe, at the TennoCon 2025 event, generating excitement among fans. The game, which is currently in a closed alpha testing phase, has limited access, with only a fraction of over one million applicants granted entry. This presentation offered a glimpse into the game’s potential, revealing new narrative quests and enhanced gameplay mechanics.

Exploring the Unique World of Soulframe

Soulframe is a free-to-play action-fantasy game that draws from the creative successes of Warframe. While the two titles share developmental roots, Soulframe aims to carve its own identity in a saturated genre. The live demo at TennoCon highlighted its distinctive narrative focus and whimsical elements, with an emphasis on imaginative visuals and unusual character designs.

Visual influences in Soulframe are eclectic, featuring environments reminiscent of popular games such as Skyrim and The Witcher. The demo included a vibrant underground area filled with mushrooms, echoing scenes from Blackreach. Meanwhile, the overworld presented bleak landscapes akin to those found in Souls games. Such references hint at a rich tapestry woven from various gaming inspirations.

In the demo, players encountered a unique enemy— a three-headed bear creature with a bell attached to its jaw, which served as a memorable boss fight. This blend of creativity and familiar tropes speaks to Digital Extremes’ ability to merge genres, maintaining the spirit of innovation that has characterized their previous work.

Challenges Ahead for Soulframe

Despite the promising elements showcased, concerns remain regarding Soulframe‘s unique gameplay mechanics. While the demo displayed engaging action, featuring dodging, blocking, and ranged attacks, it did not introduce groundbreaking innovations. A notable ability allowed players to temporarily transform into a butterfly for stealth tactics, yet it felt like a variation of existing game mechanics.

The current landscape for new titles has shifted significantly since Warframe was first released. Players and investors alike exhibit less patience for unproven concepts, with many live-service games facing abrupt cancellations. Tencent, a major stakeholder in Digital Extremes, has historically supported the studio’s creative freedom, but it remains uncertain whether this will extend to Soulframe.

As the development of Soulframe progresses, Digital Extremes’ leadership under CEO Steve Sinclair and new creative director Rebecca Ford will be crucial. Both have demonstrated their commitment to quality through Warframe, and their involvement suggests that Soulframe may evolve into an innovative title.

With its vibrant visuals and quirky charm, Soulframe holds promise for a successful launch. Fans eagerly await updates that will detail further developments, including potential customization options for the endearing characters featured in the game. The journey of Soulframe is just beginning, and its success will depend on how well it distinguishes itself in an increasingly competitive market.