Get dancing! Registration closes today for Island Jam

Friday 10 November 2017

If you've got a spring in your step and a groove in your shoes, then this could be the opportunity for you - but there's only 24 hours left to get involved.

If you haven't already, it's your last chance to sign up for UberEssential Island Jam. The street and commercial dance competition is returning on 25 November and registration for children and adults closes today.

Following the success of last year's inaugural competition, organisers Nikki Zachariou (UberEdge Dance Company) and Kerrie Ballard (Essential Dance Jersey) are bringing back the Island Jam with celebrity judges and a family-day event.

Individuals, duos, trios and groups up to 11 members can take part in the Island Jam whether they are part of a dance school or simply independent. In addition to the four usual age categories, under nine, under 13, under 18 and over 18, a brand new one was introduced this year: Little and Large. It is described as a "fun duo category where you can dance with your parent/child/sibling/cousin - as long one is older then the other it can be any relation/friend." The duos will be able to receive help from Nikki and Kerrie with their choreography if needed. 

Last year, 111 competitors - including crews from Guernsey and London - took part in the Island Jam and the organisers, Nikki and Kerrie, are hoping to beat this number.  To do so, the duo, who launched the competition to help dancers "fulfil their dance dreams", have planned a bigger, better Island Jam.

They're calling on young dancers to sign up and are hoping to see more competitors under nine taking part, either as a solo act or within duos or teams. Last year, young dancers were a complete hit with the audience and charmed everyone with their poise and skills.

Once again, the dancers will be judged on the execution of different styles of street dance, the precision of their movements as well as their synchronicity if they are performing as a group. On top of the technical aspects, the judges will also look for entertaining performances, energy and enthusiasm. As the organisers wrote in the official rules: "Most of all we want teams and competitors that take part to have fun, be creative and show us who they are with confidence and not just do what they think the judges will like."

And when it comes to the judges, there will be some familiar faces sitting at the table. 'Bounce' Big Kris, original member of the UK's leading Street Dance group Flawless, is returning and we will be helped by '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. 

On top of their judging duties, Bounce and Lizzie Gough have agreed to hold masterclasses open to all aspiring dancers on the island. Bounce masterclass will be on 24 November between 17:30 and 19:00 with Lizzie's taking place on 26 November between 10:00 and 11:30.

As for those who enjoy watching people dancing rather than taking part themselves, they won't feel left out. Nikki and Kerrie have organised for graffiti art, a braiding salon, face painting, a selfie station and even a DJ to be there throughout the competition day at Le Rocquier. Nikki explained: "We wanted it to be a family-day event. With the DJ we will have much more of a party atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, even if there are not the parents or friends of the competitors."

With under 24 hours left to register and only two weeks to rehearse the routine, the countdown is definitely on for all competitors. More information online.