Local dance crew to compete in Europe

A local dance crew is set to compete in an international competition in Europe.

Tauranga's Urban Dance Hysteria qualified for the International World Fitness and Hip Hop Competition.

The group of youth aged 9-13 qualified as part of Team NZ and will compete at the FISAF International World Fitness and Hip Hop competition in Holland next month.

The manager of the group said the dance crew had trained hundreds of hours and attended competitions all over the North Island.

"Our youth do just that and sacrifice lots of free time to practice and give 200 per cent on stage for their audience, their families, their coach, their team and themselves.''

"The enormity of this event for our youth is like going to the Olympics. The opportunity to attend such a prestigious International event and to represent our country, is the ultimate honour,'' the team manager said.

To get to Europe and compete, Urban Dance Hysteria to must raise $30,000 to cover flights, accommodation, meals, team NZ uniforms, competition fees, performing uniforms.

Meanwhile the group are on their way to Christchurch today to perform in a dance competition on the Erin Simpson Show.

The team were one of three groups selected as finalists in the Battle of Dance competition.

Urban Dance Hysteria are set to perform in the studio this afternoon.

More information about the dance crew or to donate can be found at www.urbandancehysteria.co.nz.