Two performing arts schools have gained a place on the England dance team at the Dance World Cup this summer.

The Santoy Academy in Basildon and Amanda Restell Academy in Leigh need to raise £2,500 to support the young performers to compete at the event in Braga, Portugal in June.

They are set to perform at the Eastgate centre all day on Saturday 25 February to help fundraise towards it.

“We are beyond excited to have qualified for the Dance World Cup 2023 competition. After successfully qualifying in the England heats alongside 3,000 entrants across several categories, we were thrilled to have taken one of the top four places in three categories to represent England,” said Vicky Saunders , who runs Santoy Academy.

Echo: Dancing queens - Santoy Academy, Amanda Restell, Danceworld and FootprintsDancing queens - Santoy Academy, Amanda Restell, Danceworld and Footprints (Image: Vicky Saunders)

The event is the largest all-genre international competition in the world, with representatives from across all continents. Each year more than 20,000 dancers from 62 countries compete for coveted space on the world stages.

The Dance World Cup attracts the best of the best with international judges specialising in their specific genres, amazing up and coming young talent and gives dancers the chance to perform in World Class Theatres.

“This was our second time entering groups, and we are looking forward to be taking a team of hard-working dancers ranging from 11 to 17 years to such a prestigious event,” added Vicky.

“It truly is an honour to be part of Team England. We will be performing in the lyrical and commercial sections. We are an established dance school catering to children from pre-school to late teens. We are a community school that thrives on sharing a love of dance. we couldn’t be happier to be stepping up to represent our country. However, we are seeking financial assistance to help with kits, costumes, entry fees, flights and accommodation.”

On Sunday Councillor Stuart Terson came to meet the performers at the Basildon Branch to find out more about the performing arts schools.

The Santoy Academy, Amanda Restell, Danceworld and Footprints all come together and work as a team.

For more information and to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/victoria-busby?utm_term=wJBekjEwQ