Dancers set sights on finals in la

Young champs scoop top titles

A group of Coatbridge dancers have scooped a trio of prestigious titles in less than 12 months.

The talented youngsters from recently- formed Morse Code crew were crowned under- 18 champions at the United Dance Organisation ( UDO) world championships at Glasgow’s SEC, despite just getting together last summer.

Since then the crew have brought home solo, duo and quad team trophies from the North East championships in Edinburgh as well as the UDO British under 18s intermediate title.

The team comprises 13 boys and girls, aged between 11 and 17, mostly from Coatbridge.

Holly Dunsmore and Liam Ryan are two of the group’s founding members.

Holly, 17, told the Advertiser: “It was a new venture but we all knew what we wanted to be a part of. We celebrate The crew were all friends and knew what we were capable of. Everyone in the team is delighted being on our own and when we come together it all works. We have the flexibility for training purposes.”

On their recent achievement, Holly said: “Leading up to the competition I have never been so nervous, but I wanted everyone to do well.

“After the performance we thought that we could win, but I’ve never felt like that in my life. It was incredible.

She continued: “Everyone has been really excited and happy with what we’ve achieved. Next year we can see ourselves training even more to keep the standards up.

“Much more is expected, so hopefully we can go ahead next year and achieve even more.”

Liam added: “We were really thrilled after all the hard work we put into it. To win the world championships ticked every box for us.

“Our mentor Adam Macmillan oversees the choreography but everyone provides their own input. He mixes music for us and oversees the whole process, but the actual choreography comes from us.”

Holly has had a passion for dance since the age of just two and is now studying an HNC in the subject at college.

She added: “Leaving school was a big decision because I had to decide what I wanted to do as a career. After my course I hope to move to London or Manchester to do my degree.”

Morse Code is run and choreographed by the youngsters themselves who specialise in a range of street dance styles, including hip- hop, house and popping under the tutelage of their coach Adam.

And they have now set their sights on battling it out against the best European talent at the World of Dance UK qualifier in London in November for an opportunity to reach the finals in Los Angeles next year.

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