STUDENTS from Starlight Academy in Guiseley have successfully qualified to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup which will be held in Portugal in July 2023

Ruby Drakes, Alice Forde, Kessia Hadfield-Walker, Annabel Nightingale, Lola Summerson, Alexa Drakes, Katie Newton (of Maureen Williams School of Dance) and Sylvia Cullen have qualified with solos, duets, trios and groups in a variety of different disciplines including ballet, commercial and song and dance.

Wharfedale Observer: Students from the Starlight Academy in GuiseleyStudents from the Starlight Academy in Guiseley

Principle Melanie Hadfield-Walker said she was thrilled to be once again representing Team England and added she was beyond proud of the dedication, talent and hard work her girls have shown to get to this stage.

The group is now embarking on a variety of different fundraising endeavours to help fund their exciting trip. A justgiving page has been set up at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/starlight-academy?utm_term=263nEVV9b

Sponsorship packages are also available for any local businesses interested in helping the team represent their country. Contact starlight.academy08@gmail.com for details.

Melanie said: "After spending such a formative period of their lives training diligently in their bedrooms over zoom during the pandemic, it is a testament to the hard work of the dancers and their teachers that they will soon be performing on the global stage. Good luck girls!"