Teens make the right move

Published 6 Feb 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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YOUNG dancers have a spring in their step after waltzing their way to victory at a talent contest.

The group of 18 teenagers, aged 12-17, from Dance Connection, which has a branch in Woodcote, wowed judges at the SOHA Youth Talent Contest in Didcot with their lively hip-hop routine. Dance Connection founder Samantha Clifton, 37, said: "It was a really good evening and it gave a great platform for the youth of today to come and show what they are good at. It was really nice to see young people having fun.

"My lot were not at all nervous. They absolutely thrive on a bit of competitive spirit and were running with adrenaline. They performed absolutely brilliantly even though it was a new piece for them. I am delighted they won."

The 14 acts by 40 young people included beatboxing, breakdancing, singing and performances by bands.

Dance Connection, pictured, won £600, which will be used to buy a new ballet barre for one of the studios and uniforms for two of the group who have accepted places at dance colleges.

Event organiser Jackie Silver from SOHA said: "We were very excited about engaging in an entirely new way - for us - with young people. The best thing of all was that there was a real community feel about the event, with youngsters from all over south Oxfordshire being supported by families and friends."

More than 200 people attended the sell-out performance at the Cornerstone Arts Centre on Thursday [29] and its head judge was Reading musician Jamie Goddard, who has written for TV, radio and advertising.

SOHA chief executive Richard Peacock said: "We get involved with our local residents to improve the services we offer and to help build communities and we do this quite successfully. What we've done less successfully in the past is engage with young people and that's where this event came from."

Visit www.dance-connection.co.uk

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 05 Feb 09

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