Fundraiser set up for South Yorkshire dance team set to compete in "prestigious" American championships
A dance team has been selected to represent England at “the most prestigious dance championships in the world”
A dance team from South Yorkshire has been selected to represent England at a renowned competition in America.
In order for the whole team to attend, parents of the group have set up a fundraiser to help with the costs it will take to travel there.
‘Expression’ is an under 16 lyrical dance team, part of Intensity Cheer and Dance, with their studio located at Waleswood.
Suzan Greenhalgh, aged 37, dance teacher and owner of Intensity Cheer and Dance, said: “When they all found out, they were very excited.
“I think it gives them a confidence boost and shows that they are able to achieve something that seems impossible, that they can get there if they work hard.”
The group was selected at a dance event that took place last year, and will be attending “one of the most prestigious dance championships in the world” - The Dance Summit in Orlando, Florida in May 2027.
Suzan added: “The parents have taken a lead on fundraising. Some of the family will be going with them but entry fees can be up to £500.”
On top of that, they will have to pay for state side training, choreography fees, a team training kit and costumes, which in total would be around £1,000 for each dancer.
The Gofundme page, which was created on September 16, states: “This isn't just another competition. Teams from across the globe spend years working towards this opportunity, very few achieve an invitation, and just receiving a bid is recognition that our dancers are among the very best.
“Our goal is to ensure every dancer who has worked so hard has the chance to compete, regardless of financial circumstances.”
In preparation for the competition, Suzan shared how they will continue with their weekly training and have “a number of competitions” in England before attending The Dance Summit.
The event takes place at Walt Disney World, Florida and in order to qualify, teams must earn a bid by competing at regional dance events throughout the regular season, which is how Expression earned their chance to compete.
Describing the team, Suzan said: “I’d say they are a bit of a family, they welcome anyone that joins them, they are supportive, they always have big group hugs after competitions. They are like sisters.
“It’s very rewarding, you see them work hard and this allows them to reap the rewards.”
If you wish to donate and help the team get to Florida, you can visit the Gofundme page here.