YOUNG street dancers from The Dance Movement put their skills to the test as they competed in a dance battle at Frensham Heights School.

Organised by The Dance Movement in partnership with Frensham Heights School, 60 dancers aged between six and 15 from five schools showed off their best moves and cheered fellow dancers on while competing against each other in a dance-off.

“When street dance first emerged as a dance style, groups of dancers would meet up at hip hop parties and battle it out to determine who had the best dancers and moves, although seen as rivals, there was a spirit about the dance which was to encourage each other to work harder and be better,” said Rachel Palmer, programme director of The Dance Movement.

“That’s what our dance battle was all about and the young people have absolutely risen to the challenge, pulling off some great moves and pushing themselves physically and creatively. It’s been fantastic to watch.”

Although the battle was a competition, the aim of the event was to give the dancers the chance to perform to an audience and an opportunity to see how far they have come in developing their abilities, get ideas of how they can progress and to learn from each other.

As a community organisation, The Dance Movement is keen to promote the benefits of dance in building individuals’ self-esteem, encouraging creativity and working collaboratively.

Rachel added: “Judges and parents alike have said to me this evening how proud and impressed they are by the children.

“While those who didn’t win are naturally disappointed, they will also be celebrating what they have achieved so far and hopefully be motivated to work even harder.”

The judges included dance teacher Nicky Norton, and youth worker and DJ Luke Wilmot. Cranleigh Church of England Primary School won both the junior and senior competitions, with Farnham Maltings Juniors coming second in the junior competition and Frensham Heights School achieving second place for in the senior competition.

The Dance Movement welcomes men and women, boys and girls of all ages to join its classes and events. Visit its website to find out more.