Nine talented dancers from Hamworthy will represent England at a major international event this month.
The Steppin’ Out Academy, based in Poole, had students qualify to compete at the prestigious Dance World Cup, which takes place in Dublin from July 8 to July 18.
They will go on stage against dancers from more than 60 countries around the world.
The academy, which has served the local community for more than 30 years, focuses on offering services that promote wellbeing, confidence, and personal development alongside performing arts education.
The academy's teaching and the dedication of its students was proven by their qualification for the Dance World Cup, which required a top-five national placing — with Steppin’ Out’s Children’s Small Contemporary Group qualifying first in England.
Nine students, Millie Blemings, Amelia Young, Lillian Smith, Abigail Ficherova, Tyler Vandevelde, Austin Redwood, Amber Chivers, Emily Lord, and Miles Redwood, will be heading to Dublin, looking to impress with their performances.
These dancers, whom span from ages 12 to 18, will be competing in six different categories.
They are: Children’s Small Contemporary Group, Children’s Solo Song and Dance, Children’s Solo Contemporary, Children’s Street Duo, Senior Acro Solo, and Senior Jazz Solo.
Lillian Smith and Amber Chivers, both aged 13, qualified for the Childrens’ Street section with their duo, choreographed by Danni Shirley.
The contemporary group, under the choreography of Jazzy Taylor, principal Angela Taylor’s daughter, who is currently training at Laine Theatre Arts.
Two male dancers, Austin Redwood and Tyler Vandevelde, were also chosen to perform in Showstoppers, working with renowned choreographer Bill Deamer.
Mr Vandevelde was formerly a member of Phoenix Boys, who received a Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent in 2024 and reached the semi-finals.
Austin Redwood and Miles Redwood also have Britain's Got Talent history, having been former members of Boycanto who reached the semi-finals in 2023.
The students have expressed gratitude to the local businesses and organisations that have contributed to the fundraising efforts.
Being self-funded, the journey to the international stage was a display of the commitment of the students, their families, and the academy.
The youngsters are now looking to the community for continued support as they work towards representing Poole and England on the world stage.
The Dance World Cup brings together dancers from more than 60 countries.
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