Te Awamutu dancers win spots in overseas contest

Rustic Crew can compete in the 2018 Hip Hop Unite World Championships after success in a national competition in Wellington.

Te Awamutu's Imperious Dance Company continues to prove it has some of the best dancers in the country.

Two dance groups have been selected to represent New Zealand in an international hip-hop competition in the Netherlands in October.

Rustic and Mega Crew can compete in the 2018 Hip Hop Unite World Championships after success in a national competition in Wellington this month. Mega Crew came second in its category and Rustic placed third in its category.

Imperious Mega Crew.

They are two of 12 New Zealand dance groups selected to travel to the Netherlands for the competition. They are also the only groups selected from the Waikato.

But qualifying to compete is only the first hurdle.

The next challenge is raising enough money for flights, food and accommodation.

Imperious Dance Company owner Leeza Vincent estimates it would take $55,000 to take Rustic to the Netherlands.

To begin the fundraising journey the dance company is holding a garage sale this Saturday.

It will be the first of many fundraising events planned to make it to the competition.

Since opening the dance company 13 years ago dancers from all around the Waikato have flocked to Leeza's studio.

This year she has about 300 students who are taught by six dance teachers.

Leeza says her passion for dance and the students keep her dedicated to her job.

She says the success of her dance company hinges on keeping things fresh and cutting-edge, which means constant upskilling and learning quickly.

"Hip-hop changes every year — you've got to keep it fresh or you'll be left behind."

And just last weekend more dance groups from Imperious impressed judges in a Hamilton competition.

Imperious' Senior Jazz group came first in its category. Intermediate Jazz came second in its category and Junior Jazz came third.

Hip-hop group Country Kids came first in the under-12 category and Taken was a close second. In the over-12 hip-hop category Rustic placed first and Divine and Spoken were third equal.

Leeza says she is delighted with the efforts of all her dancers.

"Equipping and training our local dancers to represent our local towns and districts is something that we are proud of."

The Imperious garage sale is at the St John's Hall this Saturday from 8am. For more information contact 0210345189 or imperiousdancecomanager@
gmail.com