Diversity dance group lead by Ashley Banjo, winners of Britians Got Talent, starred in the Michael Jackson tribute concert on 8th October at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff and choose Barry YMCA Hub dance studios to rehearse their magnificent performance.

Anthea Clements, YMCA Chief Executive Officer, received a call from Clive Silver, CS Media Ltd and Bro Radio Managing Director on Tuesday asking if the studios would be available for two days rehearsals prior to the concert, in normal circumstances the studio is full but luckily the rhythmic gym section were away competing in British Championships and with some slight movements of groups Diversity were accommodated.

Thursday afternoon the group of young dancers arrived at the Hub and surprised staff, members and public who were in the foyer and café, no one other than Anthea new of their arrival.

The group were delighted with the dance studio as its size provided just what they needed in preparation for their World Wide performance. Any one that knows anything about Diversity’s performances knows that they put in quite a lot of gymnastics into their dance, guess what happened when they knew YMCA had a gym? Absolute excitement, the gym gave them the ideal area for rehearsing their more acrobatic moves. It just happened the National Coach Pete Haysham and his top boys were training in the gym at the time with Clinton Purnell, Commonwealth Games competitor, being asked to show his tumbling skills.

Emma Mallam, Dance co-ordinator Y Dance and Motion Control, was invited to attend a photo shoot with selected members of her dancers , on Friday, when Diversity gave some of their time to have photographs taken at the centre. Diversity , then went into Bro Radio studio 1 where Steve Powell interviewed them live.

Anthea said “ it was an absolute delight to be able to meet and get to know Diversity members, this group are ambassadors for young people, they work extremely hard and are dedicated to doing what they love, dance.“

Ashley Banjo said “ the Hub is an unbelievable community asset, offering so much for young people in Barry, I would very much like Anthea to visit our studios and discuss how we can develop our centre further to help more young people. Thanks to everyone who made our rehearsals go so well and to the fans who waited so long to say hello.“

After the success of the Diversity rehearsal time at the YMCA, Anthea has already been contacted by other artists enquiring about using the dance studio, watch this space who could be next?