Junior members of Studio Dance, based on Barleycroft Lane, represented the UK in style as they wowed judges with their dance moves in the World Hip-Hop Championships this month.

The SD Juniors went head to head with more than 1,000 accomplished dancers from far flung countries across the globe including Spain, New Zealand, USA, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago and Australia and winning country Japan.

Nic Prentice, director and choreographer, said the high-aiming crew were a little disappointed to have secured ninth place but had learnt a lot to take their performance to the next level.

"To be honest, we were a little disappointed with the result, especially after our seniors won in Italy," she said. "We all learnt loads, though, and the kids are now focused on getting more tricks to improve their performance."

The Dinnington youngsters qualified to represent the UK in this month's championships back in March – something which Nic described as a 'huge achievement'.

"We are very proud of our juniors for qualifying to represent the UK," she said. This goes to prove that kids from a small area such as Dinnington can rise above the rest and show their talent."

After receiving generous donations from various local organisations such as Dinnington's Tesco, SD Fundraising Support Group and South Yorks Community Fund, the crew hopped over the pond to take part in the gruelling five-day dance contest.

Nic said the competition was extremely fierce as rival countries showcased an impressive range of gymnastic tricks – an area teacher Sammy Palkmer is focusing on with the junior team.

Said Nic: "They had to perform a routine and scored high marks for artisitc interpretation of music and performance, but low marks on skills and tricks – so that's where we are aiming to improve."

SD Juniors' success Stateside has spurred the group on to compete in further championships - the next to be held in Barcelona in April 2009 – and must now start the gruelling fundraising routine.

"Our next competition is in Barcelona next April, so the fundraising continues as well as the training," said Nic."We are focused on becoming the best in the world, though, and intend on improving to reach our goal."

Anyone interested in helping out with fundraising or sponsoring the crew should email diparker@talktalk.net or call 07714 274548.