Determination, hard work and a drive to excel, paid off for a young dance crew.
The Hip-Hop Hustlers from Original B-Boy Foundation, an NPO based in Northpine, were crowned the winners in the Junior Crew category at the recent 021BDC Dance Competition.
The competition was hosted by Project 021 at the Alexander Sinton High School in Athlone on 1 October.
“The competition was extremely tight with high skill levels of dance displayed. After qualifying through the preliminary round the Hip-Hop hustlers participated in the final round where they emerged as winners,” says David Cornelson from the NPO.
Original B-Boy Foundation was established in 2017 and offers dance to young people with the added component of life skills as part of the programme.
“Many kids are directly or indirectly affected by substance abuse, bullying and gangsterism, which inspired founder Mark Cupido to start the NPO as a way to bring positive change to the community.”
The organisation started with five children and currently has more than 20 kids actively involved in the programm.
“The programme teaches values such as respect, discipline, focus and self-belief, and has consequently impacted many young people to be positive role-models in their community,” he says.
Dancer Chad Keet says the competition was tougher than he thought.
“But we pushed through for the win.”
For young Jason Felaar it was his dream and that of his team to come true to win first place.
Grace Jacobs adds: “The competition was amazing. To think that we won. I want to thank every coach for helping us.”
Young people who are interested in break dance, and hip hop dance are welcome to join by contacting Mark Cupido on 073 124 0865.
