NINE gifted young dancers from Dance Movement, a Wentworth-based youth arts programme, have been awarded the honour of representing South Africa in the United Dance Organisation (UDO) World Street Dance Championships. The championships will be held in Blackpool, England, from August 13-17.

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As the second-largest hip hop dance competition in the world, the UDO Championships welcome over 8000 dancers from more than 52 countries.

Jarryd Watson, artistic director of Dance Movement, said he was filled with pride over their selection. The team comprises Camden Walljee, Owami Ngcobo, Juwaad Williams, Kaylin Sullaphen, Nicaydin Chetty, Chay Botman, Zeke King and Jacqueline Linda. The performers, all from disadvantaged backgrounds in Wentworth, will look to entertain the crowd with a mix of hip hop forms from breakdancing, housing, popping and locking to krumping.

“Our dancers are highly versatile and have been working hard to be ready for this chance. This is a great opportunity for them as it exposes them to the international dance industry, that can create career paths for them abroad and opportunities to win cash prizes and bursaries to prestigious arts colleges in the UK,” said Watson.

For the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation (Waco), participating in the UDO World Championships is not merely an event, it is a chance to place South African street dance abilities on a global platform.

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“This platform allows Waco’s dancers to demonstrate their skills and cultural expressions, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding. Competing at such a prestigious event not only elevates the profile of South African street dance but also inspires young dancers within the community,” said Watson.

This is not the first time Dance Movement has been in the limelight. Their dancers have always been among the top runners-up over the years, with impressive second and fourth finish results and a soloist who achieved first place.

To make the dreams of these young talents come true, they must overcome financial hurdles. Watson said the team needs to raise R150 000, which will cover essential expenses like return flights, accommodation, visas, meals, travel insurance and local transfers within the UK.

Support the dream:

As a registered non-profit entity Dance Movement relies heavily on donations from the community. The group has also started a BackaBuddy campaign that people can donate to at www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/sa-youth-competing-at-the-udo-international-dance or you can contact Jarryd Watson on 082 683 9665.

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