I was surprised to see some acquaintances of mine at the Dare 2 Dance event at Southbank today, though I suppose I shouldn’t have been. They, and their youth group, Vanity, had performed earlier in the day and were watching the other groups while waiting for the announcement of the winners.

It was really good to see all the groups, no matter how good or messy they were because the enthusiasm for dance was like an energy current in the room. Its good to realise how many people love and appreciate dance, even if its not the level or standard that you expect to see on a stage. A lot of dancers also jumped to the chance of freestyling, and were encouraging and supporting each other, which was fantastic to see, especially when there is so much negativity about youths in the media.

The judges were Kenrick Sandy of Boy Blue, Clara de Paris of D-Clash, Holly of Independance and another woman who’s name I’ve forgotten (Yammi, Yummi, someone help me out here?). They all did a likkle free-style themselves which was a good way to prove that they could dance and had some dance experience (UNLIKE some of the judges at the Dance Challenge Westminster!). They also talked a bit about the competition and the dance industry and gave some good inspirational advice.

I have to admit though that some of the groups made me cringe, while others had me amazed at the energy and creativity they were bringing to the stage. It really shows how much of a dance mix there is in London and demonstrates the potential out there for UK talented dancers. It was a great chance for the groups to see other groups from different areas as well, and maybe learn or be inspired from them

Seven out of the sixty that performed were chosen to go through to compete at the B Supreme festival and train with a D-Clash member. I’m happy to say that my friends and their youth group got through and I look forward to seeing them perform again in October.