Early bird registration for Island Jam closes soon

Monday 25 September 2017

There are only a few days left to enter the second edition of UberEssential Dance Jam at a discounted price as early bird registrations close on 30 September.

Jersey’s Street Dance and Commercial Dance competition for children and adults is returning for a second edition on 25 November and will be judged by street dancers from top UK companies.

Bounce, also known as Big Kris and original member of UK's leading Street Dance group Flawless will be returning as the head judge after taking part in last year's first competition. He will team up with 'So You Think You Can Dance' alum and BBC presenter Lizzie Gough and Jeffrey Felicisimo, co-founder of London based dance crew Animaineax to judge the dance skills of the competitors. 

Individuals, duos, trios and groups up to 11 members whether from a dance school or independent can already sign up for the second edition of the Island Jam. The competitors will be sorted into categories ranging from under 9 to over 18 according to their age. They will be judged among other things for their execution of styles of street dance, how precise their movements are and how entertaining the performance is. By registering online before the 30 September, competitors will be given a discounted rate at £20 but registration will be open until 10 November at full price. 

Pictured: Nikki Zachariou and Kerrie Ballard, organisers of the UberEssential Island Jam. 

Last year the event received 111 competitors, including crews from Guernsey and London and the organisers Nikki Zachariou from UberEdge Dance Company, and Kerrie Ballard from Essential Dance Jersey, are hoping to see even more take part this year. Ms Zachariou said: "Last year was amazing. Everyone who took part really had fun. They said it was great we have street dancers judge street dance because it gave a different vibe to the competition. It is a great opportunity for people who like to dance to be around who like to dance and be creative."

This year, the duo have decided to make the competition a "family-day event." Ms Zachariou said: "There will be performances, graffiti art, a braiding salon, face painting and a selfie station. We will also have a DJ to have much more of a party atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, even if there are not the parents or friends of the competitors."

The duo is also hoping to repeat last year's success with their dance crew, Queens See Queens, who won the over 18 category in 2016. Ms Zachariou warned: "We are definitely going to try and keep our 1st place trophy for sure."