Though the kids at Hillingdon Manor School, an independent specialist school in London for kids with autism spectrum, have challenges when it comes to social skills, speech, communication and behavior, lots of them do things that people who don’t face these challenges would never do.
Students from the school have formed their very own dance crew and they’re kind of a big deal.
They are called the Autism With Attitude Dance Crew (AWA) and they are taking the world by storm.
“AWA Crew are ambassadors who aim to improve awareness, understanding, and integration within mainstream society by pushing the boundaries of perception,” their Facebook page states.
The crew recently competed on “The Greatest Dancer.”
The AWA performed on the BBC’s “The Greatest Dancer” during week 4 where dancers of any age and style complete for the chance to win £50,000 and to perform on “Strictly Come Dancing.”
The show’s judges include singer Cheryl, Broadway and Glee star Matthew Morrison and Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse.
“The Greatest Dancer” is hosted by singer Alesha Dixon and dancer Jordan Banjo.
Not only did AWA wow the judges, but they wowed the crowd too.
They received a standing ovation for their routine set to a medley of songs from Smash Mouth and DJ Kool.
The team said they owed it all to their “brilliant” teacher Jonathan Barron who started the crew.
The team’s parents were overwhelmed with emotion in the crowd.
“Dancing has opened his eyes to a lot in the outside world,” one of the teammate’s mother’s said about her son. “I see him dance with passion and excitement and happiness and these are all emotions we never saw before.”
She says the team not only wants to showcase their abilities but raise awareness as well.
“They just want to prove to anyone that regardless of your abilities and your capabilities that you can achieve anything. They’re an amazing group of kids.”
The internet is going absolutely crazy over AWA’s performance. So far, it has more than 1 million views on YouTube.
“As someone who’s autistic, it is really great to see some representation on the national stage. The group really rocked it! This is what autistic people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to shine so massive kudos to the coach for getting these kids together,” said one YouTuber.
You can watch the video of their performance in the video below.
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