0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:01 > 0:00:05- Karen Pritchard, a dance teacher - in the Caernarfon area.
0:00:05 > 0:00:06- She's fun...
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- She's fun...- - Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq...
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- ..six, swift... or whatever it is.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- A few butterflies, I want a wee.
0:00:14 > 0:00:15- Sometimes angry.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- Excuse me, - you're not in the correct position.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21- A huge character.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- I'm fat but I'm not ugly!
0:00:27 > 0:00:32- For the past 15 years, she's Anti - Karen to hundreds of young dancers.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- This is Ysgol Ddawns Anti Karen.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39- Do you feel like their mother - sometimes?
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- I don't know... - Yes, yes, I am, Catrin!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- Yes.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- We'll follow Anti Karen - and the dancers...
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- ..to a special competition - in Preston.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- I'll worry until the result, but if - we're not in the top four, I'll cry.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- She'll need to shake her pompoms - for a competition in Blackpool.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- I feel sick, I just want something. - It doesn't matter but it does.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25- She'll be judged.
0:01:25 > 0:01:31- All the parents expect the girls - to be A1 so the pressure's on me.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- She'll put others - under the microscope.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- This week, she has high hopes.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- Having my own place, - that's the dream.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- She's under pressure - to pick the best.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- I am worried, - I haven't slept for five nights.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- Karen Pritchard was born, raised - and raised her own family...
0:01:50 > 0:01:51- ..in Caernarfon.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- She lives with husband Dei - and youngest daughter Awen.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- Where did it all begin?
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- I've always liked dancing - and when I'd go out...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..when I was 16, I'd go on a bus - to Cinderellas Rockerfellas...
0:02:07 > 0:02:08- ..in Chester.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- It's probably closed now.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15- I'd go because they organized - on-the-night dancing competitions.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- I often won the prize.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- Life without the dancing would be - less hectic, less stressful...
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- ..but Karen wouldn't be happy - without anything to do.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- That's the one I want. - Do you want me to write it down?
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- You don't need two - one's enough.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- I don't know - what she'd do without it.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- She'd drive me nuts at home.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- When I danced solo, - I didn't do routines.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- I just knew my moves, - the music would come on...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..and I just went with the flow.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- I danced to the music.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- Over the years, she's tried to - juggle both jobs at the same time.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- She's busy every night - after her day job.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- She tries to fit everything in - during that time.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- By now, - she sees dancing as another job.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- It's so stressful for her. - It's a full-time job.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- She does so much at home.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- Awen has danced since she was four.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- Dei's still smiling.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- Eldest daughter Ffion lives nearby.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- Son Dylan helps out - when he's needed.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- Dancing gear everywhere. - Every single room.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- My bed is covered in dance costumes. - I have to move them.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Every time I'm here, - someone's dancing.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- That's all I hear - is dance music downstairs.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- When I'm studying, I can hear - dance music when I'm working.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- In September, I thought - about getting my own studio.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- That's my dream, - to open my own place.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Not being answerable to anyone, - doing what I want.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- At the moment, Karen rehearses - at different locations.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Once, when I couldn't find anywhere, - I had a group dancing in the house.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- Sometimes, I want an extra lesson - at short notice with no venue.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27- Hi, Beth, OK?
0:04:28 > 0:04:29- It's me here.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- I think we have to change - the cheerleader group lesson.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- We have to open the doors of Year 6 - to do the line one after the other.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- I use Y Gelli - and I'm there every Wednesday.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- I was in Bont every Thursday - but there's a club there now.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49- I use Felin too.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- The hall is so big - and it's a good floor - it's spongy.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- I use Syr Hugh sometimes - - I can use the gym.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- OK, do it again, yes? Sara, - make sure you're closer to Jody.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- I use four different places.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- It does take over a lot - - it takes over her life.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- I still get everything I want.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- He always has done. Golden Boy.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- Look at her face.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Mam said I could do anything. - Don't start crying!
0:05:28 > 0:05:29- Off you go. Look, cry-baby!
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- Off you go. Look, cry-baby!- - She needs her own studio.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- She hires everywhere - for her classes.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- I think having her own studio - would be amazing.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- Five, six, seven, eight.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- As I get older, it gets more tiring.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- Girls, I'm tired. Please now.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- I eat irregularly - and that doesn't help the way I am.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- I eat supper at 9.30pm, - 9.45pm sometimes.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- To turn the dream of her own studio - into a reality...
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- ..Karen visits one of Caernarfon's - largest industrial estates.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- I started thinking about finding - my own place last year.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- I'm trying again this year.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- I heard that this place was empty.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Having my own place, - that's the dream.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- With my own place, - I can do whatever I want.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- If I want solo lessons, - I don't have to do them at home.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- With my own place, - it'd be better for the girls.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- They know it's their place - - that would be fantastic.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- It's a chance to open an academy.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- With my own place, - I wouldn't have to say no.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- It's an opportunity for everyone - to have a chance...
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- ..make new friends and perform well.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- I do hope I'll get my own place. - Yes, I do.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- At the end of a busy term, the dream - is put to one side for now.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- A colourful show is planned.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- One, two, three, four, - five, six, seven, eight.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- The end of term show - is my favourite.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- There's no pressure - it's purely - for the girls' enjoyment.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- Everyone takes part.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- Then again, there is pressure.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- We can't have clothes here - so take them downstairs.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- We need pigtails - - can you be in charge of that?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- They're on second - - pigtails for the zombies.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Just... yeah?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Karen has more things on her mind.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- The costumes, make-up and - hairstyles are on her to-do list.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- Just saying hello - and welcome to you all tonight.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- After all the work, - hundreds turn up to watch...
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- ..one of the town's - most energetic dance shows.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Welcome to you all. - I hope you enjoy the show.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Sorry if my English is very Welsh.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- It's always a pleasure to perform - in front of such a welcoming crowd.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- APPLAUSE
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- I do feel as if I'm picking on them - but I have to correct them.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52- What happened?
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Do it again, don't walk away.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- I'm shaking. Look.
0:09:00 > 0:09:00- .
0:09:03 > 0:09:03- Subtitles
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- It's September - and there's no time to waste.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Karen hasn't secured - her own studio yet...
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- ..so new dancers register - at the local leisure centre.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Over 150 eager youngsters - want a place in the classes.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- The eldest ones are 18 years old, - the youngest four years old.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- The club has grown over the years...
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- ..especially the past - two or three years.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- More girls have joined.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- She's enjoying it - - she's mad for dancing.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- The older children - organize dance sessions...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- ..while Karen looks on.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- ..while Karen looks on.- - I'm helping out with Year 3 dancers.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- There are 21 of them. Don't ask!
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- One, two, three...
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- I've been dancing for Karen - for almost four years.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- It's been one of the best things - I've ever done.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- My confidence has improved - since I started.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Dancing definitely helps build - children's confidence.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- They learn to perform - in front of a lot of people.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- This also helps their confidence - with schoolwork.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- A lot of girls were shy - then came out of their shells.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- I think it's a good thing - for everyone.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- It helps get you out of your shell - to try new things.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- In dance this year, we had a flip.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- No way - would I have done it last year.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- Since they gave me the confidence - to do it, we all did it in the end.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- The moment I started, - I knew I wanted to stay.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- I hope it's the same - for everyone here today.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- It looks like fun. - Exercise, keeping fit.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- It stops the children being at home - playing on the computer or tablet.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- This is a great thing.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Hello, sugar, hiya.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- My job is to keep everyone happy, - the girls trust me.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- Can I put teddy over there - to watch us?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Over here, look.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Behave yourself now.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- Karen's unique, isn't she? - She has a great character.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Alright? Yes, now.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- We're not here tomorrow, love.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Hurry up!
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- Karen's fantastic, - to think she's only one person.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- She has so many children here - and they all adore her.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- It's brilliant.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- Gwen and Alana, too. - Is this Alana, yes?
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- No, who's that?
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- Demi, sorry!
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- She's an incredible person.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- I love her, to be honest.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Remember, welcome the little girls - into your group, OK? Alright?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- In the midst of the fun, - some bad news for Anti Karen.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- We've had an upset today - from the council.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- I can't rent an unit in Cibyn...
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- ..because I'm not classed - as industrial.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- It's in the price range I can afford - - I can't afford 12,000 a year.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- It's kaput to our hopes to have - a place for the girls to dance.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- After two then - one, two.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- As ever, - she hides the disappointment...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..and concentrates - on the young dancers.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Come and get your children. - They're ready.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Packed and ready to go.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Throughout registration...
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- ..Karen's eagle eye has been - identifying the strongest dancers.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- Over a cuppa in daughter Ffion's - cafe, it's deliberation time.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- A cake to eat in - and one to take home in a bag.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Karen will have - to make difficult decisions...
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- ..choosing the best dancers - for the Under 12 A team.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17- It's important to choose an A team - because the competition is strong.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- You need the best girls - in that team to try and win.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- It's important for everyone to have - the chance to compete, perform...
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- ..work in a team - and be part of a club.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- That's important, - but competitions are competitions.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39- You need commitment from the girls - and parents to attend classes...
0:13:39 > 0:13:40- ..and do the extras.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- I've upset a lot of parents - before today.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- They've wanted to know - why their daughter wasn't chosen.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- I tell them - I don't think they're ready.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- The enjoyment goes - - I don't pick on the girls...
0:13:54 > 0:14:00- ..but I will correct them and a lot - of girls don't like being corrected.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- I don't like upsetting children.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- I don't think I'm nervous this year - but last year, I was like, erm...
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- ..and I'd panic when Anti Karen'd - say, "Gwen, your moves are wrong."
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- She never gives me a row, - she's just trying to correct me.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- Sometimes I'd go home and cry - - "Mam, Anti Karen gave me a row."
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- But she hadn't.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- When Mam chooses the A teams, - she's usually more stressed.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- She has to keep everyone happy.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- She's worried about upsetting - the girls if they're not chosen.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- It's more stressful for us at home.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Dad and I listen to it all - and hear what she has to say.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Can the original rhythm girls - from last year please stand up?
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- I'm going to call out the name - of girls who'll join this group.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Alright, OK.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Stand to one side, girls. - You can go and do a workshop.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Tia Paige, can you stand up?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- You've been chosen to join them.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- OK, you can smile if you want. OK?
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- I'm Tia Paige Wyn Jones.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- I've been dancing - with Anti Karen for three years.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- When I heard, I was really - looking forward and really excited.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21- Next, Ela Haf.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- OK. Llio, Hannah.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- This is my first year - as part of the A group.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- When I heard I was part - of the A group...
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- ..I was excited and looking forward - to making new friends.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- Amy and Leah.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43- OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Karen's chosen her A team. They'll - be known as Fflamau'r Ddraig.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Right then.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- You'd have thought I was sending you - down to Year 1 and 2...
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- ..the way you reacted.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Are you excited or not?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- What do you mean, yes? - You were in the group anyway!
0:16:08 > 0:16:09- One...
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- The pressure will mount as they face - their first competition.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- ..three, four, five, six.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- The girls and their parents will - need to give their full commitment.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- There's a lot of work and I'll - explain this to your mothers.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- You must attend the classes - and the extra class on Sunday.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- If you have something important on, - text Anti Karen to tell me.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Life would be so different - without dancing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- The last thing I want - is to be on your case.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- I'm enough of a pain as it is.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Sunday's important - because we do the extra.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- I have no family life on Sunday - and neither will you!
0:16:48 > 0:16:49- Picking a team is horrible.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Fantastic for you because you - get the chance, but it's horrible.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- I hope you're happy - and ready for the hard work.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Ready, go, jump.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10- Once again.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12- That wasn't very good, was it?
0:17:13 > 0:17:19- Karen and Fflamau'r Ddraig are - preparing for the first competition.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- She's still rehearsing - at four locations.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- As the competition approaches, - the girls know they must attend.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- The girls have set positions.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- If one or two can't come and you - want to move on, it's difficult.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- If some are part of a lift, - you can't rehearse the lift.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- It's a step backwards - and it's difficult.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- It's very important. You'd have - to be in hospital not to attend.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- Three, four, five, six.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- Last-minute sewing. - We're competing today.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- I'm off to rinse my hair, - then I'll do my roots.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- Make-up, hair, everything going on.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05- Make-up, hair, everything going on.- - Six, seven!
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- I just want them to try their best - and for us to be proud of them.
0:18:10 > 0:18:16- Of course, we won't like losing, - but we have to deal with that.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- We have a good chance - and that's what's most important.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- The night before the competition, - I was preparing hair.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Tiffany was really ill at the class - and that knocked us back.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- You can't change the whole dance - but she was in key points...
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- ..in two places, more than anything.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- Should we change it or wait - and see how she was the next day?
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- I spoke to her father the next day - and he said she felt ill.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- "Maybe she'll come this afternoon."
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- I explained to him - that I needed an answer by midday.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- If she couldn't come, - I had to deal with the change.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- We had a half-hour rehearsal - at Syr Hugh.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- He phoned to tell me she was better - and wanted to come.
0:19:09 > 0:19:15- Some last-minute lessons for Tiffany - as she learns new moves...
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- ..on the morning of the competition.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Anti Karen - makes last-minute changes...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- ..but still expects - the highest standards.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- What happened?
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Go back and practise. - Don't walk away.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- Gwen, it's as if you're doing - a solo. Stick behind Nel Parry.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Alright, OK. - You, Nel, she sticks with you.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52- OK, again.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- OK, one, two.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- One, ding.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- OK, OK, well done, girls.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- There's a lot of talent in this - group - they've just clicked.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- That happens sometimes - and it's amazing to watch.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- They're so young...
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- ..and they've had to learn - a difficult dance, to be honest.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- After all the rehearsals, - it's time for the competition.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- With 16 teams competing, Fflamau'r - Ddraig face stiff competition.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- Before the performance, - I was really nervous.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- When you see the audience, - you think to yourself...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- .."I can't do this - in front of all these people."
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- When I start dancing, - I don't care anymore.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- I'm shaking. Look.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57- OK?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- You're OK there on your backsides, - are you?
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Next to perform - are Fflamau'r Ddraig.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- It's a waiting game - but the long wait is over.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Fflamau'r Ddraig - are ready to perform.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- APPLAUSE
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- Well done, girls.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- After the performance, - they wait for the result.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- The winning team - in a very good competition...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Come on.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- ..Fflamau'r Ddraig!
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- Thank goodness, - everything went to plan.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- They danced fantastically well.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Fflamau'r Ddraig were on fire.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Anti Karen is happy for now...
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- ..but will she be next time...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- ..as the older dancers compete - in Dream Makers in Preston?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Catrin and Awen - face a new challenge...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- ..forcing Anti Karen - into last-minute changes.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- I've been angry but not with her - - with the circumstances really.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:19 > 0:23:19- .