An Oldham-based dance group is celebrating after qualifying to represent Team UK at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in America this year.

Fierce Fraternity went down to London over the weekend to compete in the UK Hip Hop Dance Championship, where several dance crews representing Fierce took part.

Steve Hamilton, who runs Fierce along with his partner and founder of the group Jennifer Lynch, said all of the four teams qualified and 11 dancers will be going to Arizona in August to compete.

Mr Hamilton said: "It's the most difficult competition, usually only teams from London or Wales win.

"It's amazing for the dancers, they'll be going up against American dancers with large followings on social media, they're going up against their idols."

The Oldham Times: Fierce dancers with their first place prize and medalsFierce dancers with their first place prize and medals (Image: Fierce Fraternity)

The group was on Britain's Got Talent last year, but Mr Hamilton said all their focus went into the championship this year.

Ms Lynch set up Fierce 10 years ago and Fierce had been going down to the UK Championship every year, however this was the first time the group went down since the pandemic.

Fierce has three studios - one in Sholver, one in Royton and one in Rochdale - with Mr Hamilton saying their classes, which are held every day, are attended by 20 to 40 students each.

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The group of 11 dancers are now looking forward to competing at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, but need to raise funds in order to pay for the costs to get them there.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by one of the parents, Andy Gregory, which states that money raised will go towards travel expenses, costumes, and accommodation for the dancers.

The Oldham Times: 11 dancers will be going to the USA to compete11 dancers will be going to the USA to compete (Image: Fierce Fraternity)

The page reads: "We are a group of talented dancers from Oldham, and we’ve earned the honor [sic] to represent the UK on this prestigious global platform.

"The journey to the World Finals is not just a trip; it’s the culmination of countless hours of practice, sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of excellence."

The group are looking to raise £10,000 to fund their trip in the summer.