BGT star ‘continues to lock lips with choreography’ nervously hanging loose on stage

A group of ‘born to perform’ dancers finally get a chance to appear on Britain’s Got Talent in front of a jury

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For someone Born to perform, being trapped behind closed doors during a pandemic is no fun.

So when Ellie-Bea Thomas was finally released on the Britain’s Got Talent stage, she was absolute about it.

“I’m always happiest when I’m dancing,” she said. “I love how dancing can express all your feelings and emotions and make people feel positive.”

Viewers will see Ellie-Bea center stage in a sparkly pink gown and pink bow tie as 14-member musical group Born To Perform pops out on BGT tonight, dancing to the fun tune You Can’ t Stop The Beat by Hairspray.

Hairspray is one of Ellie’s favorite musicals, along with Kinky Boots. Because she has Down syndrome, Ellie is classified as vulnerable and has to be isolated for the duration of her confinement.

Daily online dance classes saved her from loneliness. “It’s been hard for me not being able to go out and meet people, but I’m so grateful to see friends again from dance class to daily Zoom practice,” she said.

“I am very happy that I can continue to dance.

“Our dance teachers, Charlotte, Clemmie and Kim, are also the best.”

Ellie’s signature move was the separation, after learning gymnastics as a child, that none of her teachers could match.

Ellie, 23, revealed: “I tried to show them, but they didn’t have my exercise. But they are brilliant. I am so grateful that all their classes are locked. I don’t know what I would do without them.”

Choreographer Charlotte Ashby, 23, founded the Born To Perform dance school with Kimberley Carey, 33, and Clementine Milne, 32, in 2020.

It is intended for children and young adults with disabilities. Best friends have experience working in a special needs community and want to create a positive and fun learning space.

Weeks after they founded the school, and the country fell into lockdown, but undaunted, Born To Perform brought their classes online.

Charlotte, 23, said: “Initially it was just a weekly hour-long dance in the room of a sixth-rate university but then Covid took off and that helped us expand. Since many people with disabilities live in isolation, taking dance classes has brought harmony into their lives.

“We ran four sessions a day as well as online parties.”

The Northampton campus has more than 100 students.

The group, all 14-25 years old, practiced for the audition for six months but were not informed two days in advance that they would be joining the coach to the London Palladium.

“Our teachers don’t want us to get too excited and put our hopes up too much,” says Ellie. But it’s still a ‘oh my god’ feeling! Especially seeing people I’ve only ever seen at home on TV. Ant and Dec are really adorable.

“Simon looks very strict. I’m not sure how our performance will go to him.

“Alesha looks gorgeous, and Amanda is really friendly.

“It is so exciting to show our dance moves on such a big stage. I’m confident about our routine, but there are certainly worries too. “

Charlotte said: “Ellie only shines when she’s on stage. She’s probably danced one of the longest in the group, and her energy is amazing.

“Ellie always contributes ideas to the choreography.

“I feel like it’s time for her to show what she can do.” One of the other 14 members of BTP on BGT is Harry Welch.

Harry’s biggest takeaways from the auditions were meeting presenters Ant and Dec and judge Alesha Dixon.

He said of the Geordie pair: “They are my all-time favorite comedy duo. But I was probably most excited to see Alesha.

“She’s also a dancer, just like me.”

Harry, 22, has autism and, like Ellie, often finds that dancing is the best way to express yourself.

The musical fan, whose favorite show is Cats, said: “I was able to show my leadership qualities in the group, and that was something I couldn’t do before.

“Dancing has helped me in so many ways. I was bullied a lot as a kid – but now I feel more confident. I don’t feel judged when I’m dancing. ”

Charlotte adds about her dancers: “You can see they were made to perform.”