Dance crew lives up to hype
Hinckley dancers take honours in national contest
A HIP HOP crew from Hinckley has won a national talent contest.
So Damn Hype, a group of 11 dancers who train at Original Movements Hip Hop Dance Academy on Factory Road, have been crowned winners of Britain Does Variety 2016.
Beating hundreds of acts from across the country and rising above more than 30 in a grand final in St Albans, judges who tipped them for the top included the executive producer of The Royal Variety Performance and a member of the boy band Union J.
The crew, ranging in age from nine to 15, performed a Peter Pan themed routine choreographed by Original Movements co-owner Matt Hogg who also edited the music.
Noah Singh Barmi played Peter Pan, with Megan Odell as Wendy and Hannah Fuller as Tiger Lily.
Youngest crew member Zayleigh Stevenson wowed judges as Tinkerbell while fellow dancers Jack Cordingley, Reece May, Soloman Al Solloum, Thom Lambert, Daniel Johnson, Tyler Odell and Ben Jones performed as the Lost Boys.
Original Movements co-owner Vicki Stevenson said: “The crew dancers are thrilled with their win and such a huge achievement, not only taking home the title but also a cash prize and a lifelong membership to a performing arts industry agency meaning potentially lots more opportunities to follow.”
So Damn Hype was one of two crews from the Hinckley Acade- my to enter the competition.
Both made it through initial auditions and ended up being two of just three acts to go through to the final from 20 who performed in a semi-final in Kettering.
Vicki said: “Myself and Matt are so proud of all our dancers.
“Both crews represented our training so well and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the result.
“Plans are now in place for new routines and lots more performances for the crew to be involved in.”
Original Movements teach classes for children aged five and upwards and always welcome new pupils.
To find out more visit www. originalmovements.co.uk or email Originalmovements@hotmail.co.uk