AN internationally renowned dance pioneer from Winsford has been awarded the industry’s highest accolade.

Derek Povey, the former business partner of Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman, was handed the Carl Alan Lifetime Achievement Award for Streetdance in Blackpool this month.

The gong represents the crowning achievement of an incredible 60-year career that saw him create the now-ubiquitous urban dance style – working with the likes of Harvey Goldsmith and Britain’s Got Talent stars, Flawless, to bring it to a wider audience.

“The popularity of streetdance among our youngsters is unquestioned, but I don’t think for a minute I ever believed it would reach today’s dizzy heights,” said Derek, 70, who began dancing in 1954.

After 20 years as champion ballroom and Latin dance competitor, he spent ten years on cruise ships before forming a fruitful dance promotions enterprise with Len Goodman.

Then the Bexleyheath native struck upon the style that would become his legacy.

“I received a call from Harvey Goldsmith, the famous promoter of Queen, and Elton John,” remembered Derek, who lives in The Fairways.

“Harvey was to be involved with the new Budweiser Basketball League on SKY TV and wanted a group of female cheerleaders similar to those that danced at the NBA games in USA.”

Utilising his links within the industry, Derek formed the group, The Daily Star Wildcats, and began introducing a new style to the UK.

Dubbing it ‘Streetdance’, Derek produced a series of choreographed videos that were snapped up by dance teachers across the land.

As the style grew in popularity, Derek formed Streetdance International, which became affiliated to the British Dance Council.

Derek remains president of the organisation, as well presiding over the International Dance Organisation, and continues to organise numerous championship events across the UK each year.

Despite receiving the highest accolade in world dance, Derek’s not resting on his laurels.

After seeing how streetdance caught on in some of Britain’s deprived regions, he’s hoping to turn more lives around with the art form.

“It’s never a case of just sitting back,” he said. “I am currently working to get grants to bring streetdance to underprivileged areas, teenage girls and the disabled.

“My motto is: ‘Get off the street and instead: Learn to Street.”