Hip hop cops team up with dancers to help youngsters

By pjames paul james pjames@heraldexpress.co.uk

HIP HOP dance troupe Flava — featured on ITV's Britain's Got Talent — are working with police to run a series of exciting dance workshops to inspire young people in Torquay.

The Cornish dance group, recent recipients of a Philip Lawrence honorary award for an outstanding contribution to the community, are working with young people to build confidence through dance techniques.

The first 'B Inspired' workshop kicked off at Westlands School yesterday and finishes tomorrow.

Westlands pupils, aged between 11 and 14, are being taught how to work with others and express themselves in a positive way.

One of the routines focuses on bullying with a discussion around the impact it has on people and how it makes people feel.

Over the three days, students will be told about local activities in the area and given the chance to tell officers from Devon and Cornwall Police and the youth service what they would like in the area.

After tomorrow's final session, the students will perform their moves in front of parents and other students.

Partnership Sergeant Nick Healey, based in Torbay, said: "Young people often get a bad press but they have so much potential if they are given the right opportunities.

"We hope the students feel inspired to do something they enjoy whether that is dance, music or any other activity."

Kyle Richardson, 19, the group's founder, said: "We want children to look to us as positive role models and show them that if they put their mind to something they can achieve so much. We work hard, but it's a lot of fun and we really enjoy what we do. Hopefully we'll inspire other children to want to do the same."

The workshop has been supported by Safer Communities Torbay. Other workshops are planned for Falmouth in May and Plymouth later in the year.

For more information, visit www.yrspace.info/flava