Do you Dare 2 Dance?

D-Clash

Today was the Dare 2 Dance Nike Clash for girls groups which offered young girl dancers the opportunity to compete for a chance to be mentored by members of D-Clash – the Nike girl dance troupe. The participants had to be between the age of 14 and 25 and were given time slots throughout the day to perform a 1 1/2min routine to song from a previously selected list.

Over 60 groups performed from all over London (and I’m sure some who were from outside London), bringing slick, energetic routines. There were mad hairstyles, costumes and attitudes but the atmosphere was friendly and enthusiastic and everything was centered around the love for DANCE! Even in between acts there was freestyling and networking, giving young dancers the chance to meet and support other groups.

The event was hosted by Sarah Love and Kymberlee Jay, and judged by an expert panel who were  professional dancers and actually free-styled themselves. This was a nice touch because it proved they had talent and were able to bring an artistic eye to the judging.

The Judges

Congratulations to all seven groups who went through! Each will be assigned a member of D-clash to train them until the B-Supreme show in October where they will all perform again. Although we didn’t see them all, our favourites would have to be Vanity, Funky Divas and Trixterz who had energy, style and effective choreography.

The only thing negetive comments about this event is that it should have been an afternoon show. There were so many gaps and waiting unnecessarily, when it could have been a case of doing back to back performances and cutting out a few hours of sitting around. It would also mean that the groups who performed early wouldn’t have had to wait for so long (over six hours) for the announcement of the winners.

In addition to this, the event didn’t seem that well organised. Incorrect information was given previously and on the day, while people to encouraged to sign up on the day (like you don’t have to have prepared to be in with a chance!) as well as mess ups with the music – but the overall intention of the event was worth the hassle.

Kenrick (one of the judges) advised that if you are going to do something, then do it. But do it properly. So if you are going dance, then really look into dance and how to be the best you can be. Kymberlee said that they are trying to create a generation of internationally recognised dancers and choreographers that were unique, creative and had their own style and things were being put in place to try and make that happen. So check out the links below for further information and opportunities.

Now it would be good to see what impact this event has had on the winning groups and how their training effects their dance style and potential. To see the groups compete again, come to the B.Supreme Festival on 18th October at Southbank (for details visit their website http://www.bsupreme.co.uk/home.html)

London Dance D2D Page
www.londondance.com/daretodance

B Supreme
www.bsupreme.co.uk
www.myspace.com/besupreme

Pro-Active
http://www.pro-activecentrallondon.org/