Motivating Aussie youth

INSTEAD of letting their feet do the talking, Fairways hip-hop dancers Blake Williams and Jarryd Smith used words during a recent two-city tour of Australia to motivate youth to not use alcohol and drugs.

Williams, 28, said: “We were invited to speak at 13 schools in Perth and Sydney and the impact (we made) was phenomenal.”

Williams carved his reputation by regularly participating in local and international competitions.

He said the invitation to act as motivational speakers to Australian youth was extended by Australian organisation, Armed for Life, with which the pair had established a partnership.

“Our passion is seeing people overcome their challenges and achieving greatness, believing in themselves and working through whatever is holding them back.”

Armed for Life promotes peace, non-violence and the avoidance of alcohol and drugs among Australian youth, Williams added.

His mother, Desiree, said his interest in dance started at the age of five when he performed for his family.

“He started participating in competitions during primary school, and while in Grade 8 or 9 he started the Street Stylers hip-hop dance group. They won double gold at the National Youth Art Festival in Montague when he was about 15,” she added.

The group won the competition two years in a row, Desiree said.

“Blake works in Montague with the 2nd Chance programme, which assists the youth and motivates, inspires and encourages them to be the best they can.

“The aim is also to mentor them and continually remind them they can be the best.”

Williams and Smith, 31, have been invited to return next year.