Knaresborough dance school Freedom Performing Arts has qualified to represent England at the Dance World Cup.
The group was ranked third in the country in November’s Large Group Commercial Routines qualifier and has been invited to perform for their country in Prague this summer.
And the dancers, aged 12 to 17, are excited to put Knaresborough on the map.
The Dance World Cup is a prestigious dance competition that attracts over 5,000 dancers from over 65 countries each year.
Freedom Performing Arts founder Amy Meikle told Your Harrogate:
“This is a dream come true for our students and we are very much looking forward to seeing them perform for their country.
“These dancers work so hard each week and I am so proud of their never giving up and determination to succeed.”
Dance World Cup will be live-streamed to thousands of people every day during the week-long competition.
The 22 students will fly to Prague to represent their country, but the school will need to raise funds to cover team kit, costumes, flights and accommodation.
Amy added:
“We need to raise over £15,000 to cover our costs and would love to hear from local businesses interested in sponsoring us.
“There are many opportunities for businesses to print on our kits, flags and other merchandise.
“We also have a crowdfunding page for those who would like to support local dancers by donating.
“The team is working hard to host a variety of fundraising events over the next six months to raise as much money as possible.”
The qualifying routine was choreographed by Amy Meikle and commerce teacher Sophie Cussons. Sophie Cussons trained at Freedom as a young dancer herself.
She then completed her professional training and returned as a member of the faculty.
The team at Freedom Performing Arts in Knaresborough.
freedom performing arts
Freedom Performing Arts was founded in 2010.
The school started with street dance lessons held one night a week at Aspin Elementary School and has grown to become one of the largest schools in the area.
With over 300 students attending over 50 different classes each week, commercial dance and street dance remain at the forefront of what they do best.
Freedom recently took over the Old Castle Girls’ School in Castle Yard, Knaresborough, and carried out extensive refurbishment to provide students with a bespoke dance studio.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amy Meikle. [email protected]
To make a donation, please visit our crowdfunding page. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/FreedomDWC?utm_term=Ae43yaJm6