Double dance delight is flipping fantastic

THEIR backflips, dance moves and jumps defy gravity.

Now, daredevil dancers from Hull will be showing off their moves to the rest of Europe.

DUNK'd and Konvict, of Urban Youth Dance Co, both earned first place in their age categories in the UDO Yorkshire Street Dance championships.

The double gold at the regional heat is not the only piece of good news – next month, the dancers will be given lessons by Britain's Got Talent sensations Twist and Pulse.

Choreographer and dance instructor Faye Dalee said: "We weren't expecting to do so well at the competition, it was a complete shock.

"The judges were obviously really impressed with how they did."

The UDO Yorkshire Street Dance championships see one dance act from each age group qualify for the European championships.

DUNK'd have won the regional heat before, but this was the first time Konvict bagged themselves a golden slot.

The contest was held at Sheffield at the weekend.

Faye, 24, said: "This year, the Yorkshire competition was a lot bigger than previous years and it was in a new venue as a result.

"There were about 2,000 dancers and 85 crews competing so it was very daunting.

"When we've been before, there have never been that many, so that added to the pressure a bit."

As there is no under-tens category, the seven members of Konvict – who are aged between eight and 11 – were in the under-14s category.

They performed a dance to a mash-up of songs themed around convicts and jail.

DUNK'd, whose nine members are aged between 13 and 17, performed a piece themed on Emeli Sande's Read All About It.

Faye said: "DUNK'd's dance was about people saying and writing things that aren't true, but you carry on and do what you do best.

"We used Emeli Sande's song as the main piece but there was also other songs by Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes.

"Konvict's dance had lots of songs in it from Missy Elliott to Duck Sauce.

"Konvict did especially well given that the others in their age category were a lot older.

"It doesn't sound a lot as an adult, but there is a big difference between 13 and eight when you're a child."

As both groups will be travelling to the competition in Germany in April, they now need to raise about £7,000 to cover accommodation and travel costs.

Faye said: "It is a lot of money for their families.

"We'll be approaching businesses to see if they can help us in any way.

"To earn a place there is such an honour, so it is very important we take them."

Earlier this year, DUNK'd appeared on the BBC show Alesha's Street Dance Stars with former Mis-Teeq rapper Alesha Dixon.

The show, which was aired in August, saw them get through to the quarter finals.

In December, DUNK'd and Konvict will be getting specialist help from dancers Twist and Pulse.

The duo shot to fame when they appeared on Britain's Got Talent.

Faye said: "I got in touch with their management and they were only too happy to help.

"Their style is very different to ours so it will be good to see their perspective on things.

"There are still places available in the dance workshops, so anyone who wants to join us can."

Twist and Pulse will be coaching dancers on Saturday, December 8. Beginners and intermediates will be from noon to 3pm and advanced classes will be from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Any youngsters interested in taking part should email urbanyouth_danceco@hotmail.co.uk or call 07967 993550.

To view video footage of both dance groups, visit www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk