A group of talented young dancers from Liverpool’s Studio 76 Academy are celebrating after landing a place at the World Dance Challenge.

The 12-strong dance troupe, who all train at Liverpool Central Studios, will be heading to Portugal in April to compete against some of the world’s best dancers at the prestigious event.

The dancers, aged between seven and 15, secured their place at the first-ever World Dance Challenge after their dance routines all scored the highest level – 80 or above – during the qualifiers.

The routines, which include solos, duos, trios and small groups, were choreographed to showcase their skill and technical abilities in acro, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, commercial and show dance.

Maxine Ellis, principal at Liverpool Central Studios, is brimming with pride after hearing of their success. She says: “I am absolutely thrilled that our students have been chosen to compete at such a major event against dancers from as far afield as Canada, Mexico and South Africa.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our dancers to make both their city and their country proud on an international stage. We’re all rallying round to help raise the funds to support their mission in Portugal. They are an extremely talented bunch who all work super hard and they are very deserving of this success.”

Eight-year-old Poppy Moss from Walton is one of the dancers tipped for success at the World Dance Challenge in Portugal. The young performer, who also appeared alongside fellow Studio 76 Academy students – JJ Acrobatics – on BBC1’s ‘The Greatest Dancer’, adds: “It’s been such an exciting year already; between appearing on The Greatest Dancer and now landing a place at the World Dance Challenge. I couldn’t be happier!

“Competing at this level is like a dream come true and the journey so far has been so much fun for all of us. We’ve loved every minute of it and everyone is really excited. We’re now busy fundraising for the trip to Portugal and we have a few special performances and activities planned to help get us to the Algarve.”

As well as competing to be crowned world champions, the Liverpool dancers will have the chance to take part in workshops and masterclasses with some of the best dance teachers from around the globe.

The dancers heading to Portugal for the World Dance Challenge, which is set to take place from 3 – 8 April, include Caitlin Bradley, Annabel Baker, Aurelia Coote, Heidi Cooke, Poppy Moss, Abigail Taylor, Betsy Rooney, Izzy McEneaney, Lilly Baker, Anabelle Baker, Matilda Taylor and Tilly Gourlay.

They all train at Liverpool Central Studios, which brings together Liverpool Theatre School and Studio 76. The performing arts hub, based near the city’s Baltic Triangle on Sefton Street, provides full-time professional training in dance, musical theatre and acting, as well as evening and weekend classes for young performers from the age of four.

The dance troupe is hoping to attract sponsorship to support their trip and there is also a fundraising page to help get them to Portugal for the competition: https://www.gofundme.com/f/studio-76-academy-world-dance-challenge-2020

Follow their progress on Instagram @liverpoolcentralstudios

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