From Belfast to Broadway - Local dance group selected to perform in New York

A group of dancers from Belfast are bound for Broadway.

Young dance troop '2Crew4U' is based in Dundonald, Co Down.

They have been selected to take part in a showcase in New York City next summer.

It's after they sent an audition tape to 'Smile Productions' - after seeing they had an opportunity to go to Broadway.

Defying any of their own expectations, the competition team from '2Crew4U' was chosen, and owner of the dance company, Chloe Patton said it's a dream come true.

The dance coach spoke to Downtown/CoolFM exclusively: "We sent an audition video, not thinking anything of it. It's obviously is big opportunity. We got picked... We're absolutely delighted. From Belfast to Broadway, it's crazy! I can't believe it's happening."

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't believe it's us. It's going to be in the Old Town Theatre where the likes of Whitney Houston and Bob Dylan have performed."

"It's an absolute dream for them... I don't think they can believe it. When we told them, their faces, they were crying, they were excited. It's just amazing for them. I would dream of it when I was a kid... I mean who doesn't want to go to New York!"

Ms Patton went on to say that as a coach, "It's an absolute dream."

13-year -old Zara McIntyre and 9-year-old Brooke Sloan are members of the team who are bound for Broadway. They said they couldn't believe it when they heard the news.

Zara told us: "I was just so shocked; I jumped up because I didn't expect it at all! I was just in shock."

Brooke said: "I just thought it was a joke; I was like is this real... Like what? I was really excited!"

The 9-year-old went onto say: "I was telling my teachers about it. It's really big because first we went to Blackpool, and now we're going to Broadway! My mind is Blown."

She said her first stop when she lands in 'The Big Apple' is American Store 'Target'.

"I'll probably go to Target and all, because I've never been there!"

The Hip-Hop group will spend the next year raising funds for the trip, which is expected to cost them around £25,000 - £30,000.

They have already planned quiz nights, Bingo nights and bucket collections to try and get all the money they need.

Coach Chloe said they'll do everything in their power "to make the dream a reality."