Hip hop crew to break it down in Vegas contest

Just as it did with Riverdance 20 years ago, Ireland looks set to take the world of dance by storm, but this time it features the footwork and skill of young dance crew, Nasty by Nature.

Later today, they will dance their hearts out in Las Vegas where they are representing Ireland in the finals of the World Hip Hop International Championships.

The 12- to 16-year-olds from Dublin and Meath have been training a minimum of four hours a day, at least three times weekly.

Troupe member Onai Tafuma, 15, said: “Getting this far has humbled us and it has taught us how hard work really pays off and taught us not to give up.”

Ian McDermott, 16, said “boys and girls listen to hip hop music and everybody can relate to it; there is nothing better than doing something you love and making people smile”.

The youngest member of the group is Darragh Rochford, 12, who said: “We get so much joy out of performing.”

They are among 28 members who are all part of the Fit Kids/Fit Teens dance group. Its founder Jacinta Cassidy, who is with them in Las Vagas, said: “Hip Hop is the number one most popular dance style at the moment as many young people embrace this culture.”

Amongst the different types of street dance on display will be Breakin, Lockin, Poppin, and House.

Jacinta said: “No matter what happens, there will be a huge ‘hooley’ going down! They have just got a message from the Taoiseach wishing them well so they are all delighted.”

Several solo dancers from the group have also made it to Las Vegas including Matthew Williamson, 24, is the All-Ireland breakdance champion who featured in Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie.

“Our experience at earlier World Hip Hop competitions confirms Ireland is very highly rated in dance,” he said.

“The best teachers of the newest dances are coming here to teach because we are among the best.”