Dancers are streets ahead

Photo: Rosalyn Roden

Courtney Rogers, 16, was named Oldham's Ultimate Street Dancer

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HUNDREDS of spectators were dazzled by the best of Oldham's dance troupes over the weekend.

Children and teens took centre stage at the Oldham Academy North for the borough's Street Dance Championships.

Star of the show was 16-year-old Courtney Rogers who came away from yesterday's event with no less than six trophies.

Courtney, of Moorside, was named "champion of champions", securing the Oldham's Ultimate Street Dancer 2016 title.

The performer, who is part of Fierce Dance Oldham, said: "It's been an amazing event with so much energy.

"It's so nice to win here because I'm from Oldham.

"The crowd was amazing.

"I love the freedom and movement which comes with street dance."

Prize winner Courtney has been dancing since she was six years old and came second in this year's North-West Street Dance Championships which were held in Blackpool.

Mum Sharon Hey said: "She is just amazing.

"She has grown up with music and it's become a part of her.

"She has more than 40 trophies."

Yesterday, Courtney took first prize in the solo, doubles and crew dance competitions for the age 15 and over category.

More than 250 residents turned out to watch the six local dance groups, with performers as young as three.

Youngsters from We Are 1 came dance group second in the duos for their age category.

Manager Kezia Daniel, 30, said: "We started practising twice a week back in October.

"The kids have really enjoyed it.

"This is their first competition and they put all their energy into it."

Emily Furness , nine, of Tristan Dance in Huddersfield won fifth place in the duos and fourth in the solos for the under 10s category.

Proud mum Charlotte Furness said: "It is her first competition.

"It was very exciting and the atmosphere was brilliant.

"I had butterflies in my belly but am very very proud of her."

In the team contests, Fiercelings took first prize for the 10 and unders while Nameless came out top in the 11 and overs.

For the solo performances, Olivia Hamilton won the seven and under category, Careece Duffy won the eight years category and Katie Crowther came first out of the 10 and under competitors.

Olivia Forster took first place for the 12 and under category and Emily Tibbs came out top in the 14 and unders.

The event, in its second year, took place between 11.30am and 3pm.

Co-organiser Jennifer Lynch said: "I love that everybody cheers each other on.

"It was a great atmosphere.

"There have been two months of preparation to get us here.

"I think we will be looking to organise it again next year."

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