Dance stars excited to fly flag for Scotland

A group of Blantyre dancers have qualified to represent Team Scotland at this year’s Dance World Cup in Spain.

The talented movers from the Carol Mclaren Dance Academy (CMDA) are delighted to be the first school from Lanarkshire to have qualified for one of the most prestigious competitions in the dance calendar.

Only the most elite dancers from around the world are chosen to attend.

As well as working hard on their routines for the competition, the Blantyre-based youngsters are also holding fundraising ventures to help pay towards the cost of such a trip.

Dance mum Nicola Boyle, who has taken charge of fundraising efforts, told how the troupe will fly to Spain in the summer to compete in a weeklong competition against countries from all over the world.

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the girls and a great achievement.

“But it is costing a small fortune and myself and the other dance mums are working so hard to try and raise as much funds as possible to give the girls this opportunity. This is where we need help in the form of donations and also sponsors.

“Quite simply, no matter how big or small, we are looking for donations.

“Whether it’s products to raffle or anything at all you can give in exchange to have your logo showcased on our Dance World Cup team kits/flags and posted and shared on all our social media.

“If this is something you could help with please contact myself and we can have a chat.”

Those wanting to help out but aren’t businesses can still join in a weekly bonus ball competition, with cash and prizes to be won each week.

Every penny raised goes towards getting the youngsters to Spain to compete in one of the “best dance competitions they may ever experience”.

The event will see dancers from 62 countries compete at the nineday competition held in the city of Burgos, Spain, in July.

Dance teacher Carol Mclaren said: “This will be an amazing lifetime experience and achievement for them to represent Team Scotland at a massive global event.”

The CMDA Facebook page and specialised fundraising page – CMDA Fundraising Fun – have all the details of how you can help out.

Go to www.facebook.com/ carolmclarendanceacademy and www.facebook.com/ groups/739926253327301