The talented dancers in DNA have toured the world with their routines and have most recently hit the limelight by performing in Sky 1’s Got to Dance show.
The eight DNA dancers are Tanita Guthrie, 19, James Brown, 18, Ashleigh Griffiths, 19, Jordan Dyal, 18, Kirsten Eagle, 18, Natalie Edwards, 17, Gabrielle Dumas, 17, and Chanelle Green, 16.
Their choreographer is Dee Spencer who said when they were on the TV show there was a lot of secrecy
“I had to be so careful about telling people way back in December that DNA were going to be on the show,” she said. “I knew but DNA didn’t know.
“It was a huge learning curve for me and DNA. We had a really good time and we were treated really well. We met a lot of amazing people who we have remained friends with.”
The group managed to reach the semi finals and camera crews came down to Telford to find out more about their home life. The mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Karen Blundell, was also interviewed who said the dance group were a credit to the borough.
Sadly the group didn’t win the TV show and top prize of £100,000 but they said they still felt it was a privilege to take part.
Dee said: “I get asked if I would do it again, and the truth is, yes, I would, now I know how it all works it would be easier to do again, and I don’t mean that to go and win next time, I just mean how to be prepared for the many obstacles and situations you find yourself in as an artist.”
Tanita lives in Donnington and teaches Hip Hop in Hadley and Wolverhampton.
“I have been in DNA for five years,” she said. “It was hard when I first started as I wasn’t used to looking in the mirror when I danced but Dee is a very good teacher.
“We had an amazing experience on Sky 1’s Got to Dance and met some great people and we enjoyed what we did.”
Ashleigh said: “It was a roller coaster ride of emotions from being really happy to the stress of it all, knowing we were going to be watched by millions. I loved it”.
Natalie said: “Being involved with Got to Dance was amazing.
“Knowing that we made it to the live finals was enough for most of us, we couldn’t believe that we, DNA had been chosen, and that the judges and producers really liked us.
“We had a lot of fun during the whole experience – we were treated like celebrities and we had the most fun when we did our photoshoots. Appearing on the ‘Angela and Friends’ Chat show was a really good day. And to top it all off Sky gave us our outfits to keep which is very cool.”
The youngsters are no strangers to high profile competitions and have toured the world, visiting Las Vegas and Blackpool, picking up awards and titles.
The group travelled to for the UDO World Street Dance Championships where Pussycat Doll, Kymberly Wyatt, was one of the judges.
The crew had to dance against Diversity, George Samson and Aidan Davis and champions from Philippines, France and Holland.
Kirsten who lives in Wolverhampton joined the crew last year.
“I have been dancing with Dee for around three years,” she said. “It was amazing going to America. It was hard work being with other crews and we were having to raise our levels but it was good training.”
Kirstin plans to go to university in London and study dance and the media.
James Brown is from Wolverhampton.
“I come here all the time as it is the best hip hop crew that there is in the West Midlands.
“I have been dancing since I was eight years old, I have done ballet, contemporary and with other groups. This is the best group for me.
“We are here every Sunday and if we have a show to prepare for it is three times a week.
“If you are interested in learning hip hop and have a strong passion then this is the place to be.”
Dee also choreographs for another crew from Telford called D-fy and takes a number of dance classes.
She has recently introduced a new one called “Hip Hop ‘n’ Heels” which she describes as ‘very sassy, commercial street dance class’
To take part in Dee’s classes or for more visit www.dancefactory.moonfruit.com
