Sangre Grande dance group for US contest

This is according to the academy’s director Samuel Pascal who will be leading the quartet of himself, Kadeem Vasquez, Malique “Volt” Campbell and Prince-Murray Cato.

Last year a group of five from the academy, a first for TT, took part in the competition which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Even though they did not win the coveted prizes, they got a standing ovation from a receptive crowd.

Pascal and the team will leave the country today to take part in the event which starts on Monday and runs until August 12. They will be taking part in the All Styles and Popping categories.

Since they have entered dance competitions at the national level, Pascal said they have placed either first or second and seldom third.

The four have said dancing is their life and their passion which they pursue with fervency because of the discipline and enjoyment dance brings to their mental and physical well being.

Malique said, “Dancing has not only significantly changed the perception I had of myself but also my outlook on life. I am now a more positive person spreading love instead of hatred to those whom I encounter on a daily basis.” Pascal and Yvette Isaacs, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree is in Theatre and Dance from the University of the West Indies tutored Kadeem, Malique and Prince who competed in the local leg of Hip Hop International Dance Competition earlier this year where they took first places in the Popping, duet All Styles and Mega Crew categories.

Pascal, who teaches students from four years to adults said Plan B Academy was also the first ever TT crew to enter Varsity Division World 2016 prelims and finals in the USA. Pascal, who has been teaching hip hop for the past six years, introduced the hip hop dance programme at Plan B Dance Academy four years ago.

To take part in competitions and raise their standards in performances, Pascal said the members have to raise their own funds. They do so by taking part in flash mobs and hosting dance concerts. In the past, he said they have sought sponsorship but without success.