Dorset dancers going for gold
A group of dancers from Dorset are competing in the dance version of the Olympics this weekend
A group of talented Dorset performers will be going for gold this weekend when they compete in the dance version of the Olympics.
Poole’s Steppin’ Out Academy of Performance has been selected to represent Team
England in not one but three disciplines in this year’s Dance World Cup.
Altogether, 65 nations will be battling for gold, silver and bronze in the competition that is being staged in Telford until 19 August.
Steppin’ Out solo star David Storey, from Lytchett Matravers, will be entering two categories song and dance and show dance.
And two group dances from the troupe, one contemporary and one lyrical, will also be vying for honours.
Their routines will include a vampire themed dance and a poignant number inspired by the mental health challenges faced by teenagers during the Covid pandemic.
Eighteen year-old, David, who is off to Guildford School of Acting in September, said: “I am so excited to be chosen to represent England, it is an incredible honour.
“I can’t think of a better way of rounding off my time with Steppin’ Out than to represent England with them.”
Steppin’ Out’s senior elite team captain, Pia Luk-Paszyc, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be representing our country, we aim to do both England and Dorset proud!”
To qualify for the Dance World Cup this year, and with Covid restrictions still in place, studios up and down the country were invited to submit video entries.
Out of the thousands of entries sent to Team England, only the top five were picked for each category.
When Steppin’ Out found out it was selected to enter three routines, it quickly set up a fundraising page to fund their journey – raising £800 in total.
Steppin’ Out’s principal and choreographer, Angela Taylor, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of my students, just to be selected out of thousands is an amazing achievement.
“For many of my senior students, this will be their last ever time performing as Steppers before they go to university and performers college in September.
“It will be a very moving time for all of us and in my eyes, they are already winners.”