Youngsters in plea to dance on world stage
TALENTED youngsters are in a race against time to raise enough money to represent England at the Dance World Cup.
A group of 31 girls aged seven to 17 from the Vale School of Dance in Bredbury have been selected for the competition.
It takes place in Offenburg, Germany, from June 23 and the team must raise around £35,000 to cover the cost of taking part.
This includes flights, accommodation, Team England tracksuits and entry fees. If enough money is not raised some pupils may have to miss out.
So the school is looking for businesses or individuals to sponsor the team and help members realise the dream of representing their country.
Kate Charlton, school principal, said: “They cannot wait and are already counting the weeks down.
“The experience of competing for your country on the stage and maybe winning a medal and hearing the national anthem is brilliant.
“You can’t properly explain the feeling as a teacher or for the children. But it will be something they will cherish and remember for the rest of their lives.”
The team qualified through a video audition that took four days to film at their base in Pear Mill. Around 300 other dance schools also did this.
Already there has been a lot of fundraising to pay for the trip with cake sales, bag packs and a donation from retailer Wilkinson’s.
But sponsors are needed and in return they will have their name on the tracksuits for the competition. It will be broadcast on TV to people across the globe.
The names will also remain on the kit for at least 12 months as the school travels round the country to take part in other competitions.
At the Dance World Cup styles will include folk, jazz, tap and modern. Pupil Sasha Tomlin, nine, will also be the Team England mascot.
It is a far cry from when Kate started the school 32 years ago in her parents’ garage overlooking Reddish Vale, with three pupils.
She said: “You go through times when you feel you have been doing it for too many years but the kids are so passionate it drives you on. We just have to hope we can raise the money in time, if not some may have to drop out.”
Anyone who can help can call Kate on 07710 717494.