Perth dancers eye Hawaii

Two teams of nine dancers from Peppermint Dance Company in Kenwick hope to make it to Hawaii in June for the inaugural Global Dance and Cheer Games.

Only the best dancers from across the world are selected for the competition and it was no easy feat to get an invite.

The teams – Sovereigns (Jazz) and Legacy (Pom) – first qualified and won their divisions at the World Cup Cheer and Dance preliminary finals in Perth last year.

They then travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the Oceania Finals.

After top performances, the teams received a rare invitation to attend the Global Dance and Cheer Games in Hawaii this year.

Dance teacher Lori Lockyer said the girls’ fresh take on choreography and funky routines have so far managed to set them apart from the competition.

“For us as dance teachers (Kiri Penter pom coach and Lori Lockyer jazz coach) it means that we as a club are on track,” she said.

“It is really satisfying to know that we are doing the right thing by our dancers in the national arena.

“We are so proud of our girls for working so incredibly hard over the last competition season in order to achieve what they have.”

The teams have started work on new routines for the Global Dance and Cheer Games, which they will have to perform in front of a panel of judges.

They are training hard on technique to ensure they are ready for the competition and hope to perform in as many showcases prior to the event.

Lockyer said the teams train for about five hours a week in jazz and pom competition classes, ballet technique, jazz technique, strength and flexibility classes.

“We hope they will perform well in the international arena,” she said.

“As long as they go out as prepared as possible and perform to the absolute best of their ability, we as their coaches will be extremely proud.

“We want them to have the time of their lives on that stage.”

If anyone wishes to sponsor the Peppermint Dance Company teams or donate items to be used as prizes at a quiz night in May, contact Kylie Agostino at kylieagostino@gmail-.com or Lauren Keep at russlauren17@bigpond.com.

Raffles will also be held at the Peppermint Dance Company dance studio.

In return for donations, the company will advertise the businesses on its Facebook Page here