Derwen Dance Crew (DDC), Derwen College’s talented street dance group, came away from the Audacity Ultimate Dance competition with armfuls of trophies after a brilliant day of performances at The Hangar, Wolverhampton.
The Performing Arts students excelled in group, duo and solo performances, cheered on by judges and onlookers, including some of their families who had travelled from Manchester, Liverpool and Wales. For some of the students, it was their first ever external competition.
DDC received first place for all of their team performances in Lyrical, Theatrical and Street, which means they qualify for the Championships in February 2027.
Choreographer and teacher Opal Trevor praised the group for their excellent performances and professionalism.
“It was a long day, but everyone turned up on time in the correct outfits and gave it their all. I couldn’t be prouder. They were excellent ambassadors for Derwen College.”
Students also shared what the day meant to them. Ben summed up the competition as “good”, while Josh said he was “proud” to be involved.
Matt said: “It was my first external competition and I loved it – I was very happy and surprised to win a first and second. I want to do more competitions now and after I leave College. I don’t think any of us will stop dancing!” Matt’s family attended, and his mum had created a fabulous costume for the event.
Love of dance
Marcus, who is a Hospitality student with a Performing Arts link, said: “I’ve been in DDC for two years now. I’ve loved to dance since I was very young, and I’ve danced my whole life. This was my last competition with Derwen College and I felt proud to come away with three trophies.”
Solo categories included contemporary group, musical theatre and street dance team, with students entering beginner and intermediate categories. Expert judges from dance and musical theatre helped create a wonderful, inclusive atmosphere with lots of support.
Students who were placed qualified for the Championships next February, and students who are graduating this year will still able to come along if they are available.
DDC’s hard work and determination were reflected in an outstanding set of results across the competition:
Beginners Street Solos
- Matt – 2nd
- Josh – 3rd
- Cai – 4th
- Ben – 6th
Contemporary solos
- Matt – 1st
- Ben – 3rd
- Josh – 4th
- Cai – 5th
Intermediate street solos
- Joe – 1st
- Isla – 2nd
- Marcus – 3rd
- Zara – 4th
- Mia – 5th
Intermediate contemporary solos
- Mia – 1st
- Isla – 2nd
- Marcus – 3rd
- Zara – 4th
- Joe – 5th
Duos (choreographed or freestyle)
- Zara and Marcus – 1st
- Isla and Joe – 2nd
- Ben and Mia – 3rd
- Matt and Cai – 4th
- Josh and Emma – 5th
DDC won’t be resting on their laurels just yet. They are busy rehearsing for Schools Gotta Dance in Shrewsbury from 16–18 March. This is followed by a performance at Naidex in Birmingham on 25 March, alongside Derwen Dance Crew. Four members of our Student Council will also be speaking about Preparing for Adulthood, and how students are upskilling and educating for independence.
