A GROUP of 12 young dancers are looking for sponsors to help them compete on the world stage this summer.
Pupils from Essential Dance Academy are hoping to take part in the Dance World Cup, which takes place in Prague in June.
They have been unable to do so for the past two years due to a lack of funding, and are looking for a sponsor to help cover the cost of flights and accommodation in return for brand exposure.
In addition to the Dance World Cup, they are also trying to raise money to fund travel to a street dance competition in Poole in November called Winterwonderjam.
“Mini Madness”, as they are called, are the youngest group at the local dance school.
They are aged between six and nine and have been rehearsing three times a week while also organising fundraising activities in a bid to represent the Island at the contest alongside 65 countries.
The group have organised various activities, including a fundraiser at Chambers on Mulcaster Street featuring dance performances, live music, and raffles.
They also plan to host bag-packing events, disco nights, and a car boot sale on 18 May at La Rocquier School. Essential Dance founder Kerrie Hudson said: “They are putting all this effort in while they could be rehearsing. If someone could sponsor them it would take the financial worry away from them.
“It would be their version of the golden buzzer in Britain’s Got Talent.”
The dance coach added: “The girls have qualified for the Dance World Cup every year and they win everything they do locally, but the main barrier is funding. It would be an amazing opportunity for them.”
Ms Hudson said she was “confident that there is someone out there who can help”.
“They are really nice kids who really want to work hard,” she added. “I am so proud of how hard they are working.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring the dancers can email: info@essentialdance.co.uk.
