By ALESHA CAPONE
A CREW of dancers from a Deer Park studio have won their way into the finals of two major dance hip-hop competitions.
Ranging in age from 11 to 18, the DFX Mob Squad will contest the Australian Hip-Hop Championships final round at Crown Casino in October.
In addition, they are heading to the World Supremacy Battlegrounds finals in Sydney during December.
Last weekend the crew – consisting of more than 22 dancers including Chanelle, Shanelle, Melissa G, Monique F, Melissa P, Mason, Kayla, Anthony, Samantha and Monique C – also competed in the fourth annual Got Swagg dance crew competition at Derrimut YMCA.
The event is a collaboration between Brimbank FReeZa, YMCA and The Entourage.
DFX Mob Squad director Mojo said he was proud of his young dancers, who rehearse at least twice a week, after school and on weekends.
The DFX Mob Squad is based at the Dance Effects Performing Arts Studio in Deer Park, founded by Rebecca and John Demicoli.
“We’re a family,” 15-year-old DFX member Anthony said.
When asked what swagg meant, the dance crew said energy and attitude – and their member Samantha – exemplified the word.
“Our attitude towards dancing is swagg,” Anthony said.
Melissa G, aged 18, said the crew rehearsed for up to six hours at a time.
“We were surprised to make it through to the finals, but we did work hard,” she said.
Several of the crew members said they hoped to become professional dancers, actors or models in the future.
“We call ourselves the super Mob Squad,” Mason, 12, said.
Mr Demicoli said the DFX Mob Squad were seeking corporate sponsors to help them out with travel and accommodation costs, for their Sydney trip to the World Supremacy Battlegrounds finals.
“It would be great for local businesses to get behind these young people who are representing Melbourne’s west to the world,” he said.
For more information, contact 0411 716 504.
