LJMU’s Freestyle Dance Society beat tough opposition to secure success at two national competitions in Manchester and Sheffield – just a year after it was forced to close.
The society lost its funding last year and was left in debt and unable to perform, but fundraising efforts, led by President Amy Robinson, mean they can compete again.
The hard work has paid off and saw them beat 16 teams at the Sheffield National Dance Competition 2013 to win the Advanced Jazz category. The team also achieved second place in the Advanced Hip Hop and Tap categories and third place in Ballet and Intermediate Jazz.
Having raised over £1,500, following a showcase event with the Capoeira, Breakdancing and Irish dancing societies, the group has now doubled in size and is training every day.
Earlier in the month, the LJMU team managed more success at the Manchester National Dance Competition 2013, winning the Advanced Jazz and Tap categories. Awards were also given to Emily Williams and Lois Wilkins for the Best Choreography of the Competition and Lois Wilkins also received an individual award for Best Dancer of the Competition, topping off a trophy-winning weekend.
LJMU also placed highly in other categories at the Manchester competition, coming runners-up in Ballet and 3rd place in Intermediate Jazz and Advanced Hip Hop.
Talking to JMU Journalism, Amy Robinson, President of the Freestyle Dance Society, said: “We have worked extremely hard in preparation for the competitions and prior to going we knew it was going to be a very hard task. We knew if we supported one another and stuck together we could be successful, however.
“It is an amazing achievement that has proved how dedication and hard work can lead to great success. I am extremely proud of every team member and especially my coaches and assistants, including my rock, Hannah Meehan. It is absolutely amazing to be part of such a successful team and I feel very proud to represent Liverpool John Moores University.
“The team spirit has increased further with everyone working to improve. It has brought the team closer together and has increased awareness of our team.”
Amy now hopes that the LJMU Freestyle Dance Society can continue its run of form when it hosts its own LJMU National Dance Competition on March 9th and competes in the Step Up National Dance Competition in Sunderland a week later.