Dance victory 'highlight of the year'

The Western Heights High School senior hip-hop team are national champions. Photo / Supplied

A group of Western Heights High School students has been crowned national champions in the Dance NZ Made competition.

It was the first time the school had entered the competition and the senior team's win is "one of the highlights of the year" said head of dance Rebecca Daniels.

Miss Daniels said many of the students had never performed on stage before, let alone in front of hundreds of people in a competition environment.

To make the finals, the school first performed in Taupo as part of the regional Dance NZ Made competition.

The aim is to embrace and celebrate the strength, diversity and passion of dance in New Zealand and consists of workshops in different styles and genres taught by professional tutors. Students were marked on technical ability, costumes, choreography and overall performance.

At the regional competitions the lyrical dance in the open division choreographed by Sasha Douglas placed second, the senior hip-hop choreographed by Steven Reedy and Sherrick Martin also placed second and received the highest points given to the school. The junior hip-hop named "The Female Persuasion" also choreographed by Steven and Sherrick placed first in their division. "This was an outstanding achievement," Miss Daniels said.

The junior and senior hip hop groups gained entry to the National Dance NZ Made competition in Palmerston North.

"Both groups performed with 100 per cent against tough competition, and although the junior hip hop did not place, the senior hip hop group, the 'Genesis Dance Crew', won first place in the senior division."

Miss Daniels said all students showed great passion, commitment and dedication. "I am so proud of every student involved in this event. This experience was one of the highlights of the year for everyone involved and the students are still buzzing."