The six-member Clutha Dance Crew is preparing to perform at the Ote Fest at Otematata on Labour Weekend and
had a tune-up at the weekend from hip-hop street dance choreographer Mina Sangsari.
Jessica Powell, Calisa McLeary, Jess Clark, Reganne Henry, Hayley Smith and Bailey Reichel, with their teacher Kayleigh Broad, have performed at the Gore Youth Awards and a fundraiser concert for the South Otago Rugby Club. But the Oamaru youth festival is a big event for the girls and is expected to draw a crowd of 500,
Clutha Dance's Annalysse Mitchell said.
''They're so excited,'' she said.
''I thought it was a really good opportunity for them to get on stage.''
All six take hip-hop dance classes at Clutha Dance and some taking modern dance there, as well.
Although Balclutha was not necessarily known as a hip-hop hotspot, more children were watching music videos and trying to emulate the urban street style, she said.
Ms Sangsari offered the youth hip-hop crew two sessions at the weekend and will return before the festival.
