Dark Angels is a high energy hip-hop dance group from Angels Academy. Created by self-taught street dancer Charlie Bedford, the group currently has 12 members ranging from 15 to 29-year-olds.

Charlie who grew up in a ‘rough area’ in Bristol has always loved dancing. His mother, a fitness instructor and dancer teacher, started a small dance school and once he finished school aged 17, he took it over and made it Angels Academy.

His mother, also known by some members at the school as the fairy God Mother, is very proud of Charlie and the crew, and what they have achieved. 

“He has taken the dance group to a completely different level because of his passion and creativity. He has given children from all backgrounds the chance for their dreams to come true. Dark Angels are not only fantastic at what they do but they inspire others,” she adds.

The group recently won the All-Star World Championships in Florida. “There is no feeling like competing together as a team, the buzz is incredible. Then to win the whole competition was out of this world. It just made all our hard work worth it,” says Becky, a member of the group.

Most of the members are also jazz and contemporary dancers, while others come from gymnastics and cheerleading backgrounds.