A Nuneaton breakdancer who starred in Bollywood movies and The Brits is about to give a concert in her hometown. Jai Hickling is known as one of the best in the country.
He impressed DJ Calvin Harris so much when he appeared in his music video for “Giant”‘s big hit with Rag and Bone Man, asking him to appear on his live show during the Brit Awards.
The dancer has also starred in Bollywood films, appeared in music videos for Rita Ora and James Arthur as well as in a Marks & Spencer commercial and a Samsung commercial.
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However, he will make an appearance in his homeland this weekend as part of a special talent show.
This Saturday (May 7), he will be appearing at the Ropewalk Mall as part of the first of a series of Reel People community events.
The plan is for dance artists, DJs, beat boxers and rappers to enter the center on Saturday afternoons.
“I’m very proud of what Jai has achieved, I know he fought hard at school, but he really changed his life through dance and he did some incredible things,” said James Bennett, director of Reel People.
“It’s really a lesson for anyone that if you have dreams and passions and work for them every day, they can really come true. People like Jai are the reason I lead this community group.
“I think it’s great for the people of the city to see how much talent we have here. and the fact that he had such a hard start and changed his life through his passion really says a lot. “Jay is a great boy and I wish him every success in his new lessons and we really hope to be able to bring together some new recruits to the event.”
“Breakin ‘with Jai” on Saturday will see him and his students from a class he teaches at Redditch.
He also runs a new class at Nuneaton, Newtown Center on Newtown Road on Thursdays between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“I’m so happy that Jay decided to start his lessons again. It was such a pity after the lockdown that he had to cancel them at Griff and Coton,” James added.
“We did a lot of work at the Breakdance festival and organizing the classes was a shame they all had to close. It will be a fantastic little event this Saturday with some of the country’s top dancers showing Nuneaton what they can do and also offering people the opportunity to get involved and go for a while to see if they like it.
“I think it’s great for the people of the city to see how much talent we have here and the fact that he had such a tough start and changed his life through his passion really says a lot.
“Jay is a great lad and I wish him good luck in his new classes and we really hope to be able to bring together some new recruits at the event.”
“Breakin ‘with Jai” will run at Ropewalk Mall from 12 noon to 4 pm on Saturday.
Those who would like to contact Jai for more information can find him on Facebook or Instagram – ‘Breakin’ with Jai ‘. Classes are held every Thursday at the Newtown Center in Nuneaton 5-7 for ages 6+.
For more information about the Reel People community group, visit Reel People -by James on Facebook or call 07976 591 237.
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