COPPLESTONE After School Club have been running breakdance, more commonly known as "breaking", sessions for half a term to local children with the aid of a grant funded by 5x30.

The 5x30 project aims to encourage and support individuals and communities to become more active.

The classes were run by Matthew Macklin from Just4funk productions. Matthew, also known as BBoy Splinter from Exeter-based Breaking crew Just 4 Funk recently returned from battling at IBE in Holland with his crew. 

He has been teaching "breaking" in the context of youth work for about three years now, mainly in the Devon area.

It is a dance that began in 1970's New York and has now spread to most of the world.

Matt explained: "I love this dance because I think it brings different groups of people together and is great for young people because it is a positive way to be "cool" without relating to drugs, violence, or any of the things that people sometimes turn to to get street credibility.

He added: " I also think it is a great way to build self-esteem and confidence, and just generally a lot of fun."

Emma Higgins, Mid Devon Community activator added: "I am so pleased to be able to work with the after school club, the children are great and really are enjoying the dancing.

"The club is amazing, I was so impressed by what it offers the community when I first visited, I just knew we would be able to help them.

She explained: "I and the 5x 30 Devonwide team are proud to be part of this'. 5x30 Devonwide are funded by sports England, The Big Lottery Fund and District Councils to offer local community groups help with funding activities, such as setting up a yoga class, helping to set up a community garden project and much more.

Nicki Mann – co-ordinator for the after school club added: "The children have really enjoyed it and were awarded a certificate and put on a show for parents"

She added: "It has been so sucessful that it will continue to run next term."

Nora Parminter