Breaking tradition (From Echo)

Breaking tradition

4:00am Friday 1st August 2008 in

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TWO breakdancers from Tajikistan wowed youngsters in south Essex when they spent a week visiting schools and churches as part of a UK tour.

Ivan and Vasili, both 23, were hosted by Legacy XS Skatepark in Richmond Park, High Road, Benfleet, where they made several appearances during their stay.

The men, who did not want to give their surnames as breakdancing is disapproved of in Tajikistan, a strict Muslim country in Central Asia, also performed at St Michael’s Church in Leigh, FitzWimarc Youth Centre in Rayleigh, at the Rayleigh Churches fun day and St George’s Church in Benfleet.

They also spent time at the Appleton School during the last full week of the school term and were happy to pass on their dance skills and share their experiences of life in a very different culture.

Legacy director Peter Hillman said: “We were very excited at the prospect of having the lads with us and our expectations were exceeded.

“Their dance skills are amazing and they were able to pass some of these on to the kids.

“But more impressive, was their humility and sense of humour which meant that as well as teaching they quickly formed a bond with all those with whom they came into contact.”

Legacy volunteer Luke Cooper, 20, was one of those who was sad to see the dancers go.

He said: “These guys are just amazing and in the space of a week they have become special mates.

“I know we will stay in contact and it would be brilliant if we could organise a trip to Central Asia to share some of our music with their communities back home.”