Dancers praised for reaching World Cup finals

2 days ago

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire

News image — The Dance World Cup finals will take place in Dublin, Ireland, from 8 to 18 July

David Felton Photography A group of dancers, in a dance pose, all in lilac colours. Two are standing up and the rest are kneeling down on the floor, mostly with one arm raised above their heads. — The Dance World Cup finals will take place in Dublin, Ireland, from 8 to 18 July

The principal of a dance school has praised the hard work and determination of 27 of her pupils who have made it to the Dance World Cup — one of the most prestigious international dance competitions in the world.

Amanda Wilkins, of Kilburn School of Dance in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, said her school would compete against 60 other countries, in 31 dances, in Dublin in July.

Categories entered include ballet, tap, modern jazz, lyrical and national folk dancing.

The school is fundraising £7,000 to cover the cost of getting to Ireland.

David Felton Photography A large group of girl dancers, dressed in cream and red national costumes, a number of them are kneeling down, the rest are standing. They are all smiling and looking straight at the camera. — Amanda Wilkins said her dancers would be "ambassadors for their country and their community"

Wilkins said they had to compete with "hundreds of entries for every section" to make it to the event.

"We're really excited and delighted for the children, as for most of them it's the first time going to the World Cup and it's a great success for them," she said.

"It's a lot of hard work, determination and extra work and commitment from them and their families, as they've got to support their children."

She said the "prestigious" event would take place over 10 days.

Her pupils, aged seven to 19, would also take part in a "big parade with dancers from all over the world in team tracksuits — it's like the opening of the Olympic Games ceremony".

David Felton Photography A group of dancers, all dressed in black, taking part in a dance number. Six are standing and four are crouched. One girl in the middle has her arms up. They are all striking a pose. — A number of different dance styles will be performed by the pupils

Each dancer will get a chance to win points which will go towards their country's total. The England team, which won the cup in 2025, will be made up of dancers from many schools and clubs.

More than 8,500 dancers from across the world were due to be competing this year.

Wilkins said: "I'm slightly overwhelmed with all the work that's got to go into preparing them and the funding we need to raise."

Pupils, parents and friends were now fundraising for the money needed to pay for the competition entry fees, costumes, team kit, insurances, expenses and training.

"It's hard work but it's rewarding seeing the dancers develop their skills," added Wilkins.