Young dancers are off to perform at Disneyland Paris – but need to raise £14,000 in just 12 months.
Huddersfield-based dance school HD1 Dance has been invited to the annual International Festival of Dance and Performing Arts next October.
The dancers had a spring in their step after being told they were heading off to meet Mickey Mouse and friends.
But now the hard work of practice – and fundraising – has to begin.
Dance school owner Elizabeth Haigh said the dancers couldn’t believe it when she told them and added: “It’s really exciting for them. They were over the moon.”
The festival, now in its eighth year, is billed as the “premier dance championships.”
As well as competing the dancers have been asked to audition by video to take part in a special parade.
Elizabeth is confident and said: “We’ve got to audition but we’ll be selected. No problem!”
The biggest task will be raising the money to enable the 31 dancers aged between three and 16 to make the trip.
“We want to raise enough money to pay for all the dancers but the parents, helpers and supporters will all pay for themselves,” said Elizabeth.
The supporters will pay around £475 each and Elizabeth hopes business sponsors and fundraising events will cover the dancers’ costs.
The four-night trip will see the group travel by Eurostar and stay at the Disneyland resort.
“Having to raise that amount is a bit scary,” said Elizabeth. “But it’s a great way to showcase our talents and we hope businesses will help make some dreams come true.”
The school has 14 troupes performing all kinds of dance.
For more information contact Elizabeth on 07883 636794 or e-mail elizabeththaigh@hotmail.co.uk
