Ten-year-old street dancer James performs in prestigious competition in Paris

A talented ten-year-old boy put his street dancing moves to the ultimate test in a prestigious world-wide competition in Paris at the weekend.

Ambitious James Airey, of Ash Close, Barlborough, reached the quarter-finals of the Juste Debout competition in the under-14 category after winning the UK heat.

The youngster - known as the Urban Slayer - is the current under-16 United Dance Organisation world popping champion and has a big future ahead of him.

His dad Paul, 52, said: “It was an amazing experience.

“He was dancing in front of 15,000 people so it does not get any bigger or better for a ten-year-old.

“Unfortunately he did not get to the final but we are unbelievably proud of him.”

James first got involved in street dancing when he was about five-years-old at a class in Bolsover before moving to his current dance studio, Dance Days, in Dronfield.

The Barlborough Primary School pupil has been supported throughout his competitions by Paul, his mum Joanne, 43, and his sister Paige, 12.

Street dancer James Airey with his dad Paul and a selection of trophies from previous competitions.Street dancer James Airey with his dad Paul and a selection of trophies from previous competitions.
Street dancer James Airey with his dad Paul and a selection of trophies from previous competitions.

The UDO finals took place across the weekend and James competed on Sunday at the Acorr Hotels Arena, which can hold 20,000 people.

It is one of the biggest international street dancing competitions with entries from the likes of Shanghai, Oslo and Italy.

“He was the flag bearer for the UK and it was fantastic,” Paul added.

“It was a shame he did not get through but we are talking about world class dancers and he did not disgrace himself.”

His mum Joanne said: “I am really proud of James, he has so much confidence and strength of character. He takes every opportunity he can get and his dancing is mesmerising to watch.”

Related topics: