With their baggy tracksuits bottoms, white trainers and vest tops, street dance act Omega would look just as comfortable on the sidewalks of New York as they do in a Northampton dance studio.

This collection of black, white, Asian, boys and girls are part of a growing trend which is taking Britain, and the world, by storm.

With roots dating back to America in the late 1960s, street dance is the collective term used to describe dance styles that evolved outside of dance studios in everyday spaces such as streets, school yards and nightclubs.

But with the growth of MTV culture and more music artists using hip hop, breakdance, popping and locking dance styles in their videos, street dance has taken off in the last decade.

Last weekend dance act Diversity won Britain's Got Talent, beating off thousands of singers, dancers and comedy acts, and number one favourite Susan Boyle.

And here in Northampton there is a strong street dance following, with current UK freestyle champion Marc Cameron teaching lessons at Chaplin Stage School in the town centre as part of his Dance Vybz school.

He said: "It is so popular now. You have now got West End hip hop performances. It is about telling stories now and making things that people can relate to. I wish I had it when I was younger. I didn't dance until I was 21, now they start as young as 10.

"For years people saw it as a few thugs on the street. Now it is being seen as real dance. It is very technical and finally people have started to realise that.

"There are set techniques and from there you evolve it from those foundations."

Street dance is also truly gender neutral attracting males and female in equal measure from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. Some have never danced before whereas others do tap, ballet or gymnastics.

Marc added: "For a long time guys didn't dance but hip hop made it cool. It broke the stigma and you could be a man still and dance.

"I work all over the country teaching street dance to all ages. I also work with kids with behavioural difficulties. They are no trouble as they are happy to dance. I can also teach them about the culture behind it and the struggles of black people growing up and how street dance came about."

Such is the success of Marc's students, that his Northampton adult group Omega has won a place in the world hip hop championships taking place in Poland in September.

Meanwhile his under 16 hip hop group Alpha are one of three UK groups to qualify for the International Dance Organisation European Championships in Slovenia this summer.

Omega will be competing against 50 countries, and will divide into female dance act Deju Vu and male group Omen - dressed in their red and black matching outfits.
But getting them all to Poland is an expensive task especially in the current climate.
Marc explained: "Some of the kids can't even afford the lessons because of parents being made redundant. If anyone can help with sponsorship it would be great."

In the meantime Omega are practising hard for Northampton Carnival on June 13 when they will be taking to the streets to show their moves.

If you would like to sponsor the adult or under 16 dancers please contact Marc on 07999 099943.