Press Releases
The Glades celebrates Diversity’s victory in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’
When street dance group Diversity won the live grand final of the hit TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ on Saturday night, staff and shoppers at the Glades in Bromley were more thrilled than most. The 11-strong dance troupe has been closely associated with the shopping centre – performing in its fashion shows and modelling in its Style Guides – for a number of years.
The Glades has been encouraging retail staff and shoppers to vote for the all-male dance group throughout the talent contest and their continuing progress has been the focus of considerable interest. Says Maria Cooper, Marketing Manager for the Glades, “The buzz in-centre has been electric. The older members of Diversity have been working with us for some 15 years, so staff and shoppers have literally seen them grow up. That’s why customers and retailers here have been so supportive of the lads throughout the competition. Everyone felt like they were voting for old friends rather than simply an act that they liked.”
The 11 dancers, aged from 12 to 25, pipped the bookies’ favourite – singer Susan Boyle, who had shot to global fame via YouTube – to the title in a nail-biting final watched by an audience of almost 18 million. With their fast-paced routine, the boys also beat rival street dance troupe, Flawless, to scoop the £100,000 prize money and the chance to perform for Her Majesty the Queen during December’s Royal Variety Show.
Their Britain’s Got Talent victory has heightened excitement surrounding the Glades’ competition to win a day with Diversity. Explains Maria Cooper, “Our recent prize draw for up to 10 friends to spend a VIP day with the guys, learning the latest street dance moves, has proved extremely popular. The lucky winners will be announced very soon and we’re looking forward to working with Diversity on future projects here at the Glades.”
Diversity’s members include three sets of brothers plus another four friends who hail from Essex and East London and have grown up together. They are led by Ashley Banjo (20), who masterminds the group’s stunning choreography. His brother Jordan (16) also performs, along with McNaughton brothers Ian (25), Jamie (23) and Matthew (16). The crew is completed by the Craske brothers – Sam (19) and Mitchell (12) – along with friends Ike Ezekwugo (20), Warren Russell (18), Terry Smith (24) and Perri Luc Kiely (13).
Readers wanting to get styled like the guys from Diversity should pick up a copy of the Glades’ special edition Diversity Style Guide to see members Ash, Ian, Terry, Sam and Mitch modelling the latest street-style gear available at the Glades. Copies are available at the shopping centre, while stocks last, or on line at www.theglades.uk.com.
