Two crews from Kerikeri's DDF (Demonstrat8 Da Flow) Dance Studioz contested the Street Dance NZ (SDNZ) regional competition on Saturday, and are now bound for the national finals in Auckland (starting April 14).
Diamond Divas placed fourth in the Varsity category, and were given a wildcard entry to the nationals,while Reunited, comprising dancers from Kaikohe, Okaihau and Kerikeri, were second in their category, ranking them amongst the best in New Zealand alongside Parris Goebel and ID dance crew Bradaz.
The all-girl Diamond Divas, aged 7 to 13 years, held their own against much older competition (up to 18), including Sorority and Dutches Dance Crew, DDF tutor Alannah Curtis saying they had huge potential, and the ability to progress from the nationals to the world championships in Las Vegas.
"These kids have been putting in endless hours of work for this competition, at least 16 to 19 hours a week for the last two months," she said.
Both crews were passionate about dance and performing, and would perform wherever they could find an audience.
"They thrive on dance, and spend all their spare time just dancing," she added.
"Hard work reaps rewards.
"Ngareta Tuiloma is in both crews, and is really putting in the hours, while international judge Steven Grey said Shaylah Harris, who is only 7, was "killing it and the other girls in her team need to keep up with her. We have amazing talent in both crews, and I know they can go far".
The challenge now was to raise the money needed to compete at the nationals, in a very short time.
"We would love all the support we can get," Alannah said, the crews needing $800 to register, $1000 for travel and $2200 for accommodation.
"We are seeking any funding help we can get so we can focus on practising to make our routines the best they can be. There's lots of hard work ahead for these two teams.
"We are going to busk and have a sausage sizzle to help get some funds together, but we are going to struggle to raise all the money we need to attend this event. We are all very excited to be representing the very Far North, and are aiming to win. We are the only crew going to nationals from this area."
