Photo © The National Lottery
News & Press
Awards, TV appearances, press coverage and tips from our blog. Here's what the KDC family has been up to.
Photo © Brian, Finally Shoots
Featured story
New Year's Eve 2024
Eight of our dancers took to the stage at The National Lottery's New Year's Eve Big Bash on ITV1, with a routine choreographed by Koby Turner and Malachi Lewis. Elvire thought she was just there to watch them perform.
Instead, Fleur East revealed that Elvire had won the National Lottery Special Game Changer Award, and the award was handed to her by her dad. Backstage, our dancers even got to meet KSI.
"Having my dad present me with the award was such a beautiful and emotional surprise."Elvire, speaking to The VoiceRead the full story
Photos: Brian, Finally Shoots
"Watching them get up in front of so many people and seeing it televised is a memory and an opportunity we will never forget."
"My biggest highlight? Performing for The National Lottery on ITV and meeting KSI."
IN THE PRESS
ITV News
20 December 2024
ITV News invited KDC's founder, Elvire Mavusi Matu, into the studio to talk about Konverse Dance Crews (KDC) and its work in Barking & Dagenham. She spoke about the impact of National Lottery funding on the local community, and about her National Lottery Special Game Changer Award, given to just 30 people across the country.
She also talked about the surprise moment her dad presented her with the award, on The National Lottery's New Year's Eve Big Bash on ITV1 and ITVX, where KDC's young dancers performed.
The Voice
May 2025 · by Vic Motune
A full-page feature on Elvire's journey, from starting KDC at 14 on the Gascoigne Estate to winning a National Lottery Game Changer award, and her plans to welcome even more people through our doors.
"There's so much talent in Barking and Dagenham. Putting young people on a platform to showcase that creativity is so important."Read in The Voice, May 2025 issue
Barking & Dagenham Post
19 May 2025 · Charity
The National Lottery names Elvire one of the UK's next generation game changers for creating safe spaces for young people in east London, through free dance sessions, paid training and qualifications.
Read the article
In schools · 2023
In 2023, Elvire went back to her old secondary school, Eastbury Community School. She was joined by team members Koby, Doree and Belucha, who also went to Eastbury, along with KDC dancers and fellow Eastbury alumni Allegra and Luena, and KDC alumni members Fifi and Tiesha. Together they led the school assembly with a presentation about KDC and a live performance, showing students where dance can take you.
As seen on ITV News, ITV1 & ITVX
The Voice
Barking & Dagenham Post
The National Lottery
Salvationist
London Sport
THE KONVERSE BLOG
8 January 2025 · 3 min read
Game Changer: Elvire Mavusi Matu awarded by The National Lottery
Konverse Dance Crews perform at the National Lottery New Year's Eve Big Bash, and our dancers meet KSI backstage.
Read more
25 March 2023 · Tips
Mix like a pro: top 5 free UK software options for dancers
Five free UK software options dancers can use to mix their music or soundtracks.
Read more
20 March 2023 · Tips
Perform like you mean it: 3 ways to improve your facial expressions
Three simple ways dancers can bring more expression and energy to their performances.
Read more
£
17 March 2023 · Funding
Fundraiser: how to easily raise funds for your dance club or sports group
How you can easily raise money for your dance club, sports group or event.
Read more
Grants
13 March 2023 · Funding
I'm a dancer looking for grants: 5 funding options for UK dancers
Five dance funding opportunities to help you achieve your dreams and take your dancing further.
Read more
1 March 2023 · Careers
How can I make money as a dancer? 4 ways UK dancers can earn
It can be tough to make a living through your art. Here are four ways UK dancers can make money.
Read more
