A DANCE crew have been crowned world champions after they waltzed to victory in a street dance competition.

Under 10s street dancers the Killabeez, from Brighton, claimed the world title in their category at the United Dance Organisation World Street Dance Championships in Glasgow last weekend.

The championship was the culmination of months of training with their tutor JP Omari, director of dance school Streetfunk based at Marina Studios at Brighton Marina, and the crew is made up of children aged from seven to ten.

Mr Omari said: “Winning the World Championships proves the point that only through hard work will you achieve success. The current lineup of the Killabeez has only been together since March.

“They have been extremely committed, coming to as many classes as they can every week and keeping up with the intense training regime I gave them.

“They have worked so hard and in doing so have inspired myself and their parents who have been an unbelievable rock of support and encouragement.”

The Killabeez were sent straight through to finals after they impressed judges in the preliminary rounds on the Friday – before performing again on Sunday and claiming their moment of glory.

One of the newest recruits Megan Rudy, aged 9, from Aldrington School, said: “JP works us really hard but it is fun doing it. All his work paid off when we won the World Championships. It was really exciting, scary and fun. I hope to be in his crews for many more years.”

Marina Studios had four outfits qualify for the UDO World Street Dance Championships this year - under 14 Advanced Crew Stereoshok, under 14 Novice Crew Koei and over 18 Advanced Crew BN1.

Stereoshok had fierce competition and were awarded second place in their category.

The Killabeez are back at the studio again this week to learn a new routine ready for their next competition.

One of their more experienced dancers RJ Best, from Hangleton Junior School has danced with JP for four years but is still only 8 years of age.

He said: “I was so nervous but I love performing and I knew we were going to win."