Dance group ready for world champs

A female dance group is hoping to raise $100,000 to represent New Zealand at one of the world’s biggest dance competitions.

The Mt Eden Ballet Academy hopes to send a senior 21-member jazz troupe to the United States All Star Federation (USASF) Dance World Championships in Florida on April 29.

USASF also hosts the prestigious Cheerleading Worlds.

The New Zealand dance group will compete against more than 3500 dancers from 40 countries for the world champion title in the senior and international divisions.

They have a strong chance of winning after placing second behind the US in the jazz category in the 2015 International All Stars Federation World Dance Championship.

Kim Watts, mother of dance member Hannah, said the girls were very excited.

The girls, aged between 13 to 20 years, have been dancing together for more than five years. They live in different parts of Auckland, including Sandringham, Remuera, Howick and North Shore.

‘‘They all try really hard, they are giving it everything they have and because quite a lot of them have taken part in a world competition before, they have a little bit more experience and know what to expect.’’

The group practises together four times a week, for two hours. In the weekend, most of the girls take ballet lessons.

‘‘They are determined and motivated, they know what they’ve got to do.

‘‘Because they came second last time they are determined to get first place this time so they are quite driven.’’

With most of the members in high school, Watts said preparations for the world meet had only made them better organised.

‘‘When they accepted to take on the world champs, they were all determined and they all want to succeed.

‘‘They all realise that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent New Zealand.’’