A nationally competing cheer and hip-hop/street/jazz company moved to larger premises last week following a year of success away from home.

Affinity Cheerleading and Jigsaw Dance Company left their Stretham home to move into a three unit building in Soham.

Nikki Murphy, head cheer coach, said the expansion had to happen because the team outgrew its original location.

“It’s been a pretty huge leap to our new place and we just want to get the word out and let people know to increase the numbers.

“Our teams have had a lot of success over the last year,” she added.

Both national groups were invited to take part in a European summit event with around 40 other teams.

“Out of around 40 teams, our youth cheer team came sixth and both of our hip-hop teams came fourth.”

The group, which welcomes boys, girls, men and women and is based in Cambridgeshire, offers sessions for cheer, parkour and hip-hop dancing.

“A lot of people think cheer is just pom poms, but we want to make sure people know that we’re competitive and serious.”

There are currently 65 members in total ranging from as young as two right up to 45-years-old who are taught by a number of specialist coaches.

The Affinity and Jigsaw team also includes Adam Nimmo, Stephanie Stevens and Vikki Hutt (owners), Alison Wilson (cheer and gymnastics coach), John Sonustun (cheer and head stunt coach), Sam Shephard (free running coach), Chris Frances (streetdance and hip-hop coach), Stacey Chouvier-Taylor (jazz and hip-hop coach), Shane Griffin (free running and tumbling coach and ninja warrior), Paige Collins (cheer coach and fitness advisor) and Haydn Hunt (stunt and cheer coach).

Nikki said: “I think our groups are really good for the community because they offer a great structure, a positive learning environment and discipline.”

Jigsaw Dance Company and Affinity Chearleading, which are now based at Regal Lane, Soham, CB7 5BA, offer a range of £5 drop in classes varying from 45-minutes to one-hour-and-a-half in length.

For more information visit www.jigsawdance.com