JUST last year Darren Symes was gracing the dance floor with his ballroom and Latin moves.
But a switch to the more upbeat and funky world of street dance and hip-hop brought out a different side to the teenager.
This weekend he proved the move paid off in spectacular style by winning the UDO Streetdance World Championships in Blackpool.
And he did so on the same dance floor that he used to perform more traditional moves on.
Darren, 14, is a year 10 pupil at Ringwood School and lives in Bournemouth.
His mum, Sue Langley, said she is thrilled he won the under-16s advanced section at the contest, organised by the United Dance Organisation.
“We are absolutely over the moon – he’s only been doing this style of dance for a short time,” she said.
Darren faces a busy year with a competition in Germany next month and UK performances of his Roboboy, theatre-style act.
He hopes to lift the trophy for the World Electric Boogie title in both solo events and with his partner, Toby Stannard.
•Ringwood streetdance school Shake’s under-18 crew were also crowned world champions in the under-18s newcomer section. The school’s over-18s were fifth in their category and Shake also recorded some impressive individual placings.
The group plan to perform at numerous events, including the opening weekend of the Pavilion Dance Centre in Bournemouth this Saturday and Sunday.
