Young dancers Embrace the spotlight to bring the win home to Rotherham

TALENTED street dance troupe Embrace saw off the opposition to get their hands on the trophy in the final of a prestigious national contest.

The 17-strong squad from the NovaCity centre in Parkgate continued their march to glory when they triumphed in the closing showdown of Teen Star at London’s O2.

All aged between seven and 12, the group took on 16 other acts in front of a panel of judges at the final with their three-minute, high-energy routine — and strutted off stage as proud winners in the under-12 category.

Lisa Beebe, director of NovaCity, said: “To get through all the earlier rounds, with the area final and the regional final, and then to win the final at the first time of entering is amazing.

“The arena was full so there were thousands watching them and they were nervous backstage but they were so professional.”

The Embrace members had a long wait to perform, taking to the stage 15th out of 17 acts.

But the wait was worthwhile when they were revealed as the winners.

“They did amazingly — I’m so proud of them,” said Lisa.

A full team party is planned back in Rotherham soon to mark their victory.

Lisa revealed the young dancers liked to chip in with ideas for choreography, and played a big part in their team uniform, which features a bum bag worn on the chest.

“We asked them what they would like and a lot of them wear them (bum bags) in class so they had a big influence there,” she said.

The waves made by Embrace’s winning routine, which featured a medley music by Jennifer Lopez, Afrobeats, Chris Brown, Beyoncé mixed by Lisa herself, have already opened doors.

“We’ve already been called and asked for them to perform this routine again as they’ve done exceptional work,” Lisa said.

“I’m very lucky that a lot of these kids are at a very high standard for their age.”

Visit the Teen Star Facebook page and head to one hour, five minutes into the grand final video to see Embrace’s routine.

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