A Northampton College student is “buzzing” as a town centre dance group prepares for its second appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, having received a ticket to the semi-finals.
First year level 3 Health & Social Care student Emily Jefford is doing her work placement with Born to Perform, who wowed judges with their performance to You Can’t Stop The Beat from the musical Hairspray and prompted celebrity judge David Walliams to press the coveted golden buzzer, sending them straight through.
The 16-year-old works closely with members of the group, which also features a number of former supported learning students from Northampton College, and said the reaction to Saturday’s show has been incredible.
She added: “I’m buzzing for them. Watching the show brought a tear to my eye, seeing them up on stage leaving everyone so impressed was amazing.
“The reaction has been incredible and they’ve become celebrities in their own right overnight. They’ve been on Lorraine and the evening news. They are all absolutely loving it but now the hard work really starts and they’re going to have a busy few weeks of rehearsals ahead of the semi finals.”
The overall winners of Britain’s Got Talent will walk away with a cash prize along with the opportunity to perform for The Queen at the Royal Variety Performance. In the show, judge Simon Cowell told the group: “I just loved the fact you were having such a good time. It was actually one of my favourite auditions.”
Emily has already been offered an apprenticeship with Born to Perform next year and said she is looking forward to continuing on her journey with the group.
She added: “The placement was arranged for me by the college. It wasn’t something I’d really considered but I love it. I’m really enjoying going in and working with everyone.”
The Born To Perform dance school opened in February 2020 and specialises in Special Educational Needs and Disability. Students have a mixture of additional needs such as Down Syndrome, Autism and Turners Syndrome.
The dance group has grown to around 80 members aged from three to 50 years old.
Natasha Thurkle, aged 23, joined Born to Perform having spent three years with Northampton College’s supported learning team. Mum Kate said: “Natasha is deaf and has struggled to communicate but has really thrived since going to college and Born to Perform. She’s gained so much confidence and really come out of her shell to the point where she is much more comfortable in social settings.
“We never thought she would achieve something like this, it’s very exciting for her and we can’t wait for the semi-finals.”
