Five Isle of Wight Dancers to Represent England in Global Dance Open Finals

Five young dancers from the Isle of Wight have been chosen to represent England in a prestigious dance competition in The Netherlands this summer.

Aged just eight and nine years old, the five girls, who train with Newport's Starlight Academy, will travel to the Global Dance Open Finals in Apeldoorn in July, to compete in ballet, jazz, street dance and acro sections. 

Auriella, Aria, Imogen, Diwata and Lily will go up against dancers from across the world, including from Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada and South Africa, after qualifying in an earlier competition, in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Dance teacher, Mary Bowdery, said:

“I am so proud and thrilled that these girls have been selected to form part of the England team.

"Their hard work, passion and dedication has shone through - they are a brilliant example to all other young Island dancers that nothing is impossible.

“We would also like to thank our ferry travel sponsors, Red Funnel, for their continued support.”

The girls are now raising funds and sponsorship to cover the cost of their trip, with a cake sale, a ‘bring a buddy to dance’ event and their very own show at Christ the King College auditorium, in Newport.

Tickets are now on sale for the performance, which is being held on 16 May at 6.30pm, for £6 per person.

They can be purchased online.

You can also sponsor the girls or find out more about sponsorship opportunities by emailing [email protected].