Local dancers head to Prague for Dance World Cup

They have been kitted out by the Sarah Groves Foundation.

The 92-strong team will compete against more than 60 countries across a range of dance styles, including tap, ballet, jazz, song and dance, and lyrical.

They hope at least to match their last trip to a Dance World Cup, at which they won gold in the Junior Large Group Song and Dance category in San Sebastian in Spain two years ago.

On that occasion, the foundation stepped in at late notice to provide funding for the team’s kit and is doing the same this time.

Foundation managing trustee Vic Groves said it was a wonderful way to honour his daughter, who died while travelling in Kashmir in 2013.

‘Seeing these talented dancers bearing Sarah’s name on their shirts as they compete internationally is very touching,’ he said.

‘Sarah loved sport, and the foundation’s core pillars – children, art, fitness, and adventure – are perfectly encapsulated by these talented young dancers flying to Prague to engage in friendly competition.’

Dance World Cup sponsorship coordinator Helen Colmer said the team was grateful for the foundation’s support again.

‘We feel very lucky to be taking such a large team to represent Guernsey,’ she said.

‘The children have worked so hard and are certainly ready to showcase their talent on the world stage.

‘We’d like to thank the Sarah Groves Foundation, as well as our other sponsors, Guernsey Arts, Grant Thornton and Oak Group, who contributed towards the event fees.’

Guernsey team captain Clemmie Read, 18, will be attending her third World Cup, and is set to perform in a number of duets and group classes.

‘I only found out I was to be captain a few days ago. It’s a huge honour,’ she said.

‘As a team, we will certainly be aiming high. It would be great to get another gold like we did in San Sebastian.’