FROM delivery drivers by day to dancers by night, this energetic duo from South Norwood are giving it everything to get their name known.
Best friends of 10 years, Ronell Coward, 36, and Sean Russell, 30, formed their unique dance group New Image Duo featuring a ‘Michael Jackson vs Street Dancer’ performance three years ago.
Sean began moonwalking at just four-years-old when his granddad first played the King of Pop’s music to him, while Ronell grew up loving street dance.
Now, the pair, both from Selhurst Road, continue their day jobs to pay the bills but aspire to take their dancing passions full time.
Ronell, a delivery driver for Tesco, said: “We met when I saw Sean dancing in Tiger Tiger. When we first performed together, everyone loved it.
“It makes a big difference from my day job. I do a little dance when I’m on the job, doing moves in the van. I try and make people laugh on their doorsteps when I’m delivering.
“They love it. We want to take it as far as we can and push ourselves to the limit.”
Sean, a customer team member, said: “It’s my passion, I love to dance and I love Michael Jackson.
“He changed how artists write music and perform. I take stuff of his and use it in our performances. My favourite is the spin move.”
The dynamic pair performed at Croydon Heritage Festival last year and were successful in landing an audition for Britain’s Got Talent.
While the pair may not have made it through to the television rounds of the ITV competition, they are determined to get recognised when they apply again this year.
Ronell, a former Harris Academy South Norwood student, said: “We’re adding comedy to the performance. We are making new ideas for this year.
“If someone does come up to us and want to sign us, we will probably take it as that’s our dream.”
They’ve also performed with Rough Copy, a trio from Croydon who reached The X Factor semi-finals in 2013, and their talents did not go unrecognised when they were nominated in the Essex Entertainment Awards for Best Unique Dance Act last year.
Sean said: “Being nominated for the award is one of my favourite highlights so far.
“Dancing is my passion. At work I try and dance on the shop floor a little bit.
“I’d go with dancing full time if I could but right now it doesn’t pay the mortage.”
Ronell also has another talent up his sleeve – he was a youth league footballer for Crystal Palace 15 years ago.
Nearly two decades on, Ronell is still full of energy, adding: “It doesn’t matter how old you are. I feel like I could dance all day.”
To watch New Image Duo’s performances visit their YouTube channel.
SOURCE: Croydon Advertiser
