26th August 2014: In tonight’s live semi-final for Sky 1HD’s Got To Dance, viewers saw Kimberly Wyatt’s team go under the spotlight and she took the stage herself for a show stopping performance of her own.

A mix of hip hop, commercial and contemporary groups plus a self taughtbone breaker battled it out for a place in Friday’s live finals. The publicvote resulted in Original Kidz, Kaine and IMD qualifying for places inthe live final (Friday 29th August) and the opportunity to compete forthe prize of a quarter of a million pounds. For Kaner Flex, Kofi and Academyof Base it was the end of the competition.

Dancing for two, pregnant Kimberly Wyatt took to the stage and wowed apacked house at London’s Earl’s Court in a high-energy performance. Beforeher routine the judge said: “it’s a landmark moment for me as a woman,as a soon to be mom, as a dancer. I’ve got an amazing doctor working withme who said I’ve been dancing my whole life so there’s no reason I can’tcontinue. Everything is safe. I’m the luckiest soon-to-be-mom in the World.”

Teenage dance trio, Original Kidz, put in an impressive routine that hadAshley admitting, “wow, do I want you on my team! Your performance, theway you held the room tonight was something special”. Of self-taught dancers,Karam (15), Kelvin (14) and Callum (13), Kimberly said, “I’ve never hadso much fun with an act. You’ve got the skills. Have fun with it!”

15 year-old contemporary dancer Kaine brought down the house with a movingperformance that had Adam Garcia commenting, “you’re a wonderful technician– you’re aesthetically perfect. You danced your heart out”. Ashley Banjoconcurred, adding, “You pulled it off with heart and soul and you stillmanaged to emote – that’s why you should be in the final.”

Finalists from 2013, IMD, qualified for the final once again with a heart-stoppingroutine packed with tricks from the 22 strong street dance crew. The crowdwere brought to their feet with Davina McCall directing the dancers tosimply “listen to THAT.” Ashley Banjo had some reservations, stating thatthe routine was comparatively “not as clean” but he concluded, “shouldyou be in the final? 110% yes”. Kimberly’s verdict was simply, “IMD – youcame and you conquered.”

Whilst he didn’t receive a place in Friday’s final, this evening markedan important day for Kaner Flex, who was diagnosed with autism at the ageof four. He said, “being on this stage has helped me with my confidenceand self esteem” and told the viewers at home “don’t give up on your dreams.”In a performance that moved Kim to tears she commented,  “this isn’tjust about performance – it’s about finding another purpose to inspireothers. What you just achieved was absolute art.”

Only one act in tonight’s semi final did not receive three gold starsfrom the judges. Both Ashley and Adam gave 14 year-old hip-hop dancer Kofired stars. Ashley suggested there is still room to grow but acknowledgedthat, for his age, Kofi is “an incredible dancer” and added, “it’s dancerslike you that are inspiring the next generation. Honestly man, much respect.”

Upon hearing the semi final results Kimberly commented, “I’m so pleased.Each of these acts worked so hard. I’m gutted for the others – that wassome special talent that went”

Tomorrow night all six acts from Adam Garcia’s team will each take tothe stage, as they battle it out for a place in the Got To Dance grandfinal. Untitled, Unity Academy, Nicholas Marvel, Freddie Huddleston, Duplic8 and Dan-I & Sia willfight for the viewers’ votes.

Viewers can vote via phone lines and online for free at sky.com/dance(also available via facebook and twitter).

Notes to editor

Notes to Editors: 

About Sky

Sky is the UK and Ireland’s leading home entertainment and Communications Company.  Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.

Sky is the UK’s biggest investor in television content, investing more than £2.3 billion a year in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News.   Around two-thirds of Sky’s content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes.  More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.

Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator.  Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D.

Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi.  NOW TV, Sky’s second consumer brand, builds on the company’s leadership in internet TV.  Sky is also the UK's fastest-growing home communications company and favourite ‘triple-play’ provider of TV, broadband and home phone.

Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates by taking positive action on the environment, supporting grassroots sports and increasing access to, and participation in, the arts.  Sky employs 23,000 people, has annual revenues of £6.8 billion and is estimated to support a £5.4 billion contribution to UK GDP.  Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY).  www.sky.com/corporate

For images please contact: Stills@bskyb.com

For further information contact and interview opportunities with the contestants:

Amy Dowd

freuds

Amy.Dowd@freuds.com

0203 003 6552

OR

Charlotte Martin

freuds

Charlotte.Martin@freuds.com

0203 003 6463

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