What a way to finish a fantastic year…..

After a fantastic, exciting and adventure filled trip Side Step’d and Virtue are back from the International Australasian Hip Hop Dance Champs. It dawned upon us when we arrived at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre what a huge accomplishment it was just to be here, and to be sharing the stage with the Phillipino All-stars (World Champions 2006) and championship winning teams from Japan, Korea, Australia, and USA. The level of the teams were high and the competition was hot.

Side Step’d were the 3 rd team to compete, they took the stage amped up and ready to go. They danced their hearts out and showed us all the passion and determination they all have. I was so proud to watch them up there owning that stage and for the first time dancing to the full potential I knew they always had inside them.

Later in the evening was Virtue’s turn. Composed, determined and ready to rock the stage Virtue ripped it up dancing what was not doubt the best yet. The comments and applause from the 4000 strong audience was an indication we had done enough to mix it with the best. The open teams just kept coming, the creativity and precision of the top teams was awesome to watch. Glad to have already danced we enjoyed watching, knowing it was some of the top teams in the world we where seeing.

Side Step’d finished 5th overall in the Junior section, the results where hotly debated by many, including us, but proved undoubtedly they have what it takes to mix it with the best.

Virtue finished 13th out of 26 finalist teams, and while slightly disappointed not to crack the top 10, were happy with the result. Beating 2 of the Australian State Champion teams and also one of the top 10 teams from the World Champs.

The whole trip was awesome, and even the trip back was an adventure, getting stuck in a lightening storm, diverted to Auckland for the night, then flown to Chch because the plane windscreen smashed and finally home to Welly 24 hrs late!!

Bring on 2007 as Virtue and Side Step’d look forward to sharing our ever-developing style and talents with you. We will continue to strive for excellence, push the boundaries and stay true to who we are. We don’t just dance because we love it, we dance because we cant live without it.

Thanks for all your support this year, hope you and your family have a great Christmas and New Year

Much Love
Gemma, Virtue & Side Step’d

Youth Fuzion Dance Fest in
Hawkes Bay:

Virtue and Side Step'd had an awesome time in Hawkes Bay, it was great to see so many of you along at the show and workshops. We are looking forward to coming back in 2007 for a full weekend of workshops.

Huge Thanks to Native Industries Clothing for their support, be sure to support them...
www.nativeindustries.com

At Te Papa - 15th Sept was a huge success.

The response that we have had from our supporters has been huge. We are greatful for your continued support and proud that the standard, dynamics and varierty of our shows continue to 'blow you away'

We are looking forward to taking YFDF to Napier and to develop the festival into an annual event.

Queensgate Mall Schools Award:

Side Step'd - 3rd At Hip Hop Nationals

Side Step'd finished a very impressive 3rd place out of some fierce competition at 'Tear It Up' Nationals on July 1st at the Events Centre.

Competing agianst teams from Wellington, Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Christchurch. Side Step'd delivered with energy, passion and style.

Big ups to all the other crews - Soul 7 (1st place) G- uite (2nd place) and Nu Skool Rockas who put up an awesome battle for the 3rd and 4th Placings.

The girls made Virtue all very proud!!

Raize Up

Virtue and Side Step'd delivered a high energy sucess with 'Raize up', Performed at the Wellington Performing Arts Centre on the 13th May.

The packed theatre was full of a supportive, and vocal audience and both Virtue & Side Step'd along with guests Phaze1, Rapture Ruckus and Rubix brought style, flavour and flare to the floor.

Thanks to all those that came along the we appreciate your feedback and support.

Big ups to:
Out There Clothing, AMP Capital, Hirequip, New World(Khandallah), Ultra Copy, Down Inc + everyone else that helped out.

Toyota Capital Celebration:

A big thank you to you guys, you rocked!  The feedback about the group was fantastic, very professional!!
" Lynley" - International Arts Co-ordinator

Look out for us at the bball:

Proudly sponsored by AMP Capital and OT Clothing and directed by Gemma Laing the ‘19’ strong team will for the second year take the court at the home games for the Saints.

Virtue are very proud once again to represent the Saints.

Next Game: 26th May - 7:30pm
Events Centre

Newtown Street Fair:

Side Step'd 2006

Most of the Side Step'd dancers are all new to Hip Hop they bring to the floor, enthusiasm, energy and passion.
Watch out for them in 2006 as the take rip up the floor.

New Team Members:

Virtue and Side Step'd held auditions to find 6 new dancers (2 for Side Step'd, 4 for Virtue) Over 20 people turned up to audition and the level of the dancers made our task choosing hard.

The new members of Virtue are:
Emma Pratley, Sarah Courtney,
Rebekah Smith and Sarah Dickson
Side Step'd: Jess Loh, Nicky Lim
and Anna Robinson

VIRTUE CLASSES:
Pender Dance Studio
Thursday 5:30 - 6:30
Open Hip Hop - 13 yrs +

Narinville Rec Centre (Khandallah)
Friday 4:30 - 5:30
11-15yrs

Capital Celebration -
Opening of Waitangi Park

Rugby Sevens:

The Virtue Girls along with Chole and Jess from Side Step'd performed to a sell out crowd at the opening ceremony of the Rugby Sevens at the Stadium of Friday night. The opening went live to TV 1.