Case Studies
South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF) has funded a variety of projects throughout the region that make a big impact on local communities. We use our expertise and local knowledge to make targeted grants, connecting people who care to causes that matter.
Studio Dance Hip Hop Crew, Dinnington
18th September 2008
The Studio Dance crew from Dinnington competed in the UK Hip Hop Crew Championships thanks to £1500 from the South Yorkshire Community Foundation.
The grant paid for new clothing, transportation costs for three minibuses and entry fees to the competition at which the crew enjoyed great success.
The SD Junior crew, and 'Lockin Duo' Nic Prentice and Savanna Darnell, came 3rd and 1st respectively and qualified to represent the UK in the World Hip Hop Crew Championships held in Las Vegas in July/August.
Club secretary Diane Parker said: "They basically couldn't have gone to the UK Championships without the funding from the Foundation. Lots of families who we are involved with would not have been able to afford it."
As well as assessing their dancing ability, the judges also marked other criteria such as the crew's appearance. The Foundation grant contributed greatly to buying new outfits for the dancers.
Diane said: "They really looked the business thanks to the Foundation money that paid for new matching tracksuits."
The Sunnybank, James Neill Trust, and Hepworth Distribution Funds combined to make this payment to the dance crew.
The grant had a great knock on effect of putting the crew in a position to qualify for the World Championships.
Diane said: "The experience out in Las Vegas really was the chance of a lifetime. The tutor Nic Prentice and all the dancers have come back with more ideas on how to improve. Seeing other troops from all over the world has given them inspiration to really take the group forward from a dance point of view."
The group offers a valuable service to young people and the community of Dinnington. The ex-mining village is currently undergoing a series of redevelopments and the dance crew provides the opportunity for young people to use their time productively.
Diane said: "It does help to provide the young people with a creative activity to occupy their time. They mix with other youngsters and get positive encouragement from each other as they take part in something very worthwhile."
Fund Manager Sue Wragg said: "This grant to a small community organisation is great evidence of how a relatively small cash injection can lead to long term sustained success, evidenced by their qualification for the World Championships."
The group has now set their sights on the Dance Grand Prix in Barcelona next May, and are going from strength to strength.
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