Christmas festivities came alive at Haslemere Hall this December as nearly 200 young dancers from the Streetnation dance company took the stage for a vibrant Christmas Show. Founded nearly 19 years ago by Karen Garland and Nadeana Simpson-Hadden, the street dance company showcased the talents of performers from Haslemere, Midhurst, and Bordon during three sold-out performances that captivated audiences.
The show was more than just a series of dance routines; it was a celebration of the growth and development of the dancers and the company itself. Throughout the performances, the young dancers displayed remarkable confidence, highlighting the ethos of Streetnation: a no-pressure environment that encourages creativity and fosters self-belief.
Deeza Twiddy, the Artistic Director who joined Streetnation at the age of nine, expressed the profound impact the company has had on its members. “Streetnation is more than just a dance school,” she said. “It’s a family, a home, and a support system. Those who dance will understand when I say that there is no feeling like working hard towards something you are passionate about and then seeing it play out, whether that is for yourself or for the dancers you teach.”
The performances also served as a tribute to the families who support the dancers and the community they have built together. Ashley Stevens, whose daughter has been part of Streetnation for eight years, shared her pride in her daughter’s journey. “My daughter started as a shy little kid, and now she dances with Street Elite. Last night, she and all the other dancers absolutely smashed it. We were so proud,” Stevens remarked.
Feedback from the dancers themselves further illustrated the nurturing atmosphere of Streetnation. Molly, who joined the company nine years ago, reflected on her transformation. “I was a shy dancer who would only dance at home. Streetnation has helped me build confidence to perform in front of hundreds of people. Everyone is kind and supportive; it’s an amazing place to be,” she said.
Both Garland and Simpson-Hadden emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive environment for young people. Nadeana noted, “If you’d asked my young dancer self what I wanted to achieve, this would have been it. We’ve created a team of young teachers who share our passion and deliver it to every dancer each week. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Garland added, “Kids transform at Streetnation. There’s no fancy formula – it’s simple. Teach them, believe in them, nurture them, hype them up, and they find a confidence that lets them take on anything.”
As the curtains closed on this year’s Christmas Show, Streetnation demonstrated once again that it is not just a dance company but a community that empowers young people. With no signs of slowing down, Streetnation continues to inspire and uplift, one dancer at a time.
