Two teams of Chonburi youths will compete nationally for the To Be No. 1 Dancercise Championship after winning at regional semifinals held in Pattaya.
The V-Star dance team from Pattaya School No. 8 won one of two qualifying spots in the Nov. 4 pre-teen competition, while the Hit Me Dance Crew from Chonburi won in the ages 6-9 bracket. Both teams move on to national finals in Bangkok in February.
The dance competition is one of the many programs run by the To Be No. 1 organization launched by HRH Princess Ubolratana to help keep kids off drugs.
At the eastern regionals held at Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Itthiphol Sungkhaeng from the Public Health Ministry and Banglamung District Chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai awarded prizes to nine teams of youths.
Along with the Chonburi kids, the It’s My Mind team from Municipality 5 School in Ratchaburi won the ages 6-9 category. The other qualifying team in the 10-13 pre-teen bracket was the Awesome Dance Crew in Lopburi. In the teen division, three teams made the finals: the Zion Dance Crew, V.S. Power Team from Visut Rangsee School in Kanchanaburi, and Eastern Dance Crew from Sriyanusorn School in Chantaburi. Winning teams won as much as 20,000 baht.
The Zion Dance Crew team, winner of the central and eastern regional final round of the To Be Number One Teen Dancercise Championship.
“I have to praise the youths’ talent and confidence in correctly expressing themselves,” Itthiphol said. “For this competition, the teens have to love dancing and have lots of patience. I want to see children use the experience gained from this competition for their benefits in the future.”
“The teens from this competition, apart from getting to do what they love, have gained experience, patience, attention including discipline in practicing,” said Phota Kaenkaew, professor from Angtong College of Dramatic Arts. “I have seen students determined during their practices including support from parents. I believe that this has helped stimulate better relationships within the family.”
Thanongsak Sribongkot, a member of one of the winning teen teams, said the group had been practicing for more than two months. “We were determined to win and we did after having many letdowns.”
Itthiphol Sungkhaeng from the Public Health Ministry (left) presents the first runner-up trophy to V-Star from Pattaya School No. 8, in the pre-teenage division.
Banglamung District Chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai (left) presents the second runner-up trophy to V.S Power Team from Visut Rangsee School, Kanchanaburi, in the teenage division
Teenage champs show their moves.
