Silver finish for Vegas-bound Kani Krew

A Whangarei all-girls dance team have hip-hopped their way to silver at the national championships.

Kani Krew, of Hardcore Dance in Riverside, is a team of 11 dancers aged 12 to 16.

They placed second in the varsity division at the National Street Dance Championships in Auckland on April 27.

Coach Annalise Wood is extremely proud. "They're like our own children. It's just an amazing achievement."

She said it was a particularly remarkable feat considering the girls were up against 19 other teams, many that had been long-established and some with 17 and 18-year-old dancers in them.

Kani Krew only formed in January this year, and Mrs Wood said for some of them it's their first time dancing.

"It just shows with a lot of hard work and determination you can achieve what you set your mind to."

The girls perform a two-minute routine, which is made up many elements, such as choreography, formations and costumes, Mrs Wood said.

The judging is done 50 per cent on the performance, and 50 per cent on skill.

Kani Krew's routine was made up of a mixture of swag, riggaton, house and whack, she said.

"We got told in the judges' feedback that we had the best house in the whole competition."

Their placing means they now have the opportunity to attend the World Championships in Las Vegas in August, so now the focus is on fundraising, Mrs Wood said.

The main fundraiser will be a showcase, dates and venue to be confirmed, but Mrs Wood any types of fundraisers would be considered.

"We also do things such as helping with stocktake at The Warehouse."

Kani Krew captain, 15-year-old Leshego Mpe, says taking out second place had been awesome.

"It feels like all our hard work has paid off.

"From now on we are dedicated to fundraising and dedicated to training."