19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Meet the dancers from Newport with a million views on TikTok
Pulse Point Dance House is a vibrant Newport dance school specialising in street dance. It was founded by Jacey Thomas and Caitlin Waters.
The pair initially led their own companies, but shared dreams of building confidence in the younger generation against the demanding world of dance.
Since merging on January 20, the school now have nine teams qualified for the UDO Street Dance World Championship. The competition is set to take place in Blackpool, hosting for global contestants such as Phillipines, Qatar, Germany, and Thailand.
'Bringing them together was the right step,' Caitlin added.
'Pulse Point is more than just a dance school. We are a family.'
Teen elite dancers in training for the World Championships in Pulse Point uniform (Image: Caitlin Waters) The South Wales qualifier took place on Sunday, April 6 in Ebbw Vale. The teams are now actively training for three to four hours a week, with 7 weeks to go.
'They're getting nervous. It is the countdown. Blood, sweat, and tears have gone into it,' said Jacey.
The youngest team to qualify is Under 10s team 'Pulsewave'. The group have only danced together since January but proudly placed 1st in their recent competition.
Pulsewave dancers Frankie & Imogen, happy with their medals after becoming Welsh champions! (Image: Caitlin Waters) Jacey added: 'We've had to move people into different teams; it's a big, big step. However, the results are in the pudding. By making big decisions, it's definitely worked out.'
'It's been amazing to see how far they've come.'
Pulsewave Dancers. LtoR: Olivia, Ruby, Ellie-Rose, Effie, Imogen, Jorgie, Corban, Halle, Paisley, Frankie and Connie (Image: Caitlin Waters) Pulse Point's passion for dance is inspirational, shown in their social media going viral.
Young Renae Thomas' solo, which qualified her to represent South Wales, has brought in 1.1 million views on TikTok.
At only ten years old, she looks forward to competing in the Under 12s team and is now working hard to upgrade her solo leading up to the world championship.
'I didn't expect that many views,' said Renae.
'It was really surprising as I thought that only people around me had seen it.'
'The comments were very encouraging.'
Renae Thomas' solo which has garnered more than a million views on TikTok (Image: Jacey ThomasCaitlin and Jacey further expressed how proud they are: 'For both of us, street dance was an outlet growing up—a way to feel connected, stay active, and find our confidence.
'That's why we love sharing it with the next generation; it gives young people a way to express who they are."
'We never expected we'd end up taking nine teams to represent Wales at the UDO Street Dance World Championships.
'It still feels surreal.'
Over 18 team 'Oscillate' after finding out they made the world finals (Image: Caitlin Waters) With 70 competing dancers to represent South Wales, Pulse Point are now looking to 'send their dancers off in style.'
Donations will be put towards essential competition and dancer items such as uniforms, as well as goodie bags to help 'give a little something back to the dancers.'
Any donation will make a difference and sponsors are encouraged to reach out.
'We want to fundraise for the experience of a lifetime.'
Coach Caitlin in rehearsal with dancers (Image: Caitlin Waters)
Caitlin also told the Argus: 'At the moment, we're running classes across three locations—Risca, Blackwood, and Abercarn—using community centres, churches, and local gyms.
'We want to come home with a world title and find a forever home.'
For more information on how to support Pulse Point's journey, you can find details on their Facebook page.
With dancers from ages three to 82, 'classes are for everyone.'
The community is an inclusive environment supporting all levels of dance. You can get involved through their website.
Auditions for next season will take place on September 14 at Risca Top Club.
