Hype Energy doesn't just teach young people the latest dance moves and choreography, it also provides teens with a positive outlet so they steer clear of violence.

Its members have improved their grades and kept their attitudes in check since the group started in September, say instructors Marshallene Trott and Alisha de la Chevotiere.

Ms Trott formed the group out of a need she saw in the community.

Her daughter wanted to perform with a crew that included community service and group outings— not just practising dance routines for Christmas and May 24 parades.

Ms Trott teamed up with one of Jamaica's premiere dance hall artists, 'Sample Six', to put the group together.

Sample Six, an acquaintance of Ms Trott, shared signature dance moves like 'delete dem' and invited them to perform alongside him at various venues in Jamaica over Christmas.

Twelve Hype Energy members are now fund-raising for the trip, which is expected to cost about $20,000.

Each teenager is responsible for raising their own expenses through bake sales, punch cards and packing groceries. They are also asking for public support.

Jahnai Ratteray, 15, said: "I feel real good that I have this opportunity [to travel] because some people can't get this chance to go Jamaica and be able to perform with professional dancers. It is a blessing."

The group is also working to help others. They will be handing out Christmas baskets to families in need at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and around the Island next Saturday.

The crew has also become a second family to most of its 27 members. It has helped the teens all between the ages of 14 and 18 to curb anti-social tendencies.

Ms de la Chevotiere said: "Some of the kids were shy, some of them had negative attitudes towards other members of the group. But we sat them down, talked to them and a lot of their attitudes changed around."

Members must behave in school, maintain a minimum C-plus average and attend weekly practise sessions the rules were determined collectively by the teenagers.

Simiah Caisey, 17, said: "It changed a lot of us. Some of us used to be doing a lot of negative stuff but now we don't even bother with that. We still go out now, but we don't get involved with violence, we don't bother with drama."

Stevantae McCallan, 14, added: "It's really positive because [the dance crew] gets young people off the streets and they get to do what they want to do [and] have fun."

Omar Ratteray, 17, said: "You know how they say a lot of young black men get into a lot of trouble, this is like an alternative. Instead of doing a pack, we just dance.

"My favourite part of the experience is the choreography, how uniform it looks when you get it down, and that you get to express your feelings and emotions. You put out what you are feeling in your dancing."

For more information on Hype Energy or to find out how you can help send them to Jamaica, E-mail hypeenergy@me.com or call 534-8896.