Youngsters shine at Hartlepool street dance competition

The event - which was organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Feel Good in Hartlepool team - featured dance troupes from High Tunstall College of Science, Catcote Academy, St Hild’s Church of England School, Dyke House Sports & Technology College and Manor Community Academy.

Zac Healey - a member of the award-winning Hartlepool street dance crew Ruff Diamond – hosted the event and also performed with his fellow crew members.

Carole Johnson, head of health improvement at the council, who acted as head judge alongside other members of Ruff Diamond, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many young people from across the town enjoying themselves and performing to such a high standard. Dance offers a wide range of health benefits including improved condition of your heart and lungs, increased aerobic fitness and improved muscle tone. The standard of each performance was so high that it made it virtually impossible to select a winner.”

The competition – the first of its type to be held in Hartlepool – was won by Dyke House Sports & Technology College. Manor Community Academy finished second, High Tunstall College of Science third and St Hild’s Church of England School fourth. Catcote Academy received a special Dedication to Street Dance Award.

Ryan Houghton, Dance/Multi-Sports Activator with the Feel Good in Hartlepool Project, added: “The competition has been a great success and we hope to make it an annual competition.”