Following tough qualifiers in Jersey earlier this year, local dancers secured their place at the all-genre international annual competition finals, which take place next week from 8 to 18 July.
‘It’s everything from ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, song and dance, and it goes on to solos, trios, small and big groups – lots and lots of different categories in all forms of dance over two weeks,’ said Mark Oliphant, head of marketing and communications at The International Stock Exchange, which is sponsoring the team for the first time.
‘And they do it much like the Olympics, with bronze, silver and gold awarded at the end in a ceremony. We thought it was a great opportunity to sponsor a local team, representing the island internationally, and brilliant to be able to give these guys the opportunity to compete on the international stage. And it’s lovely that the team brings the different dance schools together as one.’
Guernsey has previously competed every other year, including San Sebastian in 2022 and Prague in 2024. This year, Team Guernsey includes 97 dancers from three local dance schools – the Guernsey Academy of Theatrical Education, Music Box, Starlight Dance Academy and B Creative.
The team will board direct flights to Dublin, while their teachers, parents and supporters will follow with their gear in loaded cars on the ferry. As well as TISE, organisers thanked the Sarah Groves Foundation, Guernsey Arts and Healthspan for their continued support. More than 11,500 young participants from over 60 countries will be at the event.
‘The Dance World Cup is such an incredible opportunity and something our dancers have worked so hard towards,’ said Helen Colmer, DWC Team Guernsey funds coordinator.
‘Over the years, Team Guernsey has achieved some fantastic results, but just as importantly it gives our young dancers the chance to gain unforgettable experiences and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.’
Since the age of two, 18-year-old Eliza Webster has grown-up dancing at GATE, where her parents are the co-principals. She will be performing about 13 dances at this year’s competition.
‘I just love going to the World Cup,’ she said.
‘It’s great to go with all of Guernsey, and represent the island. It’s a different level to just representing our school. And you get to make friends with other dancers from around the world – we give them Guernsey pins. I’m going to a musical theatre school in Epsom next year, and I think there’s going to be a lot of people from England at the competition that will also be going, so it’ll be great to get to know them a bit beforehand.
‘Dancing is just really fun. I love being on stage and backstage with my friends, there’s a really lovely dance community. We’ve all been doing lots of extra rehearsals to prepare, lots of early mornings – but I look forward to them. It’s what I enjoy.’
Steffie Savident, a teacher from Starlight Dance Academy, said she was looking forward to returning to the World Cup after a significant break.
‘I’m very excited, I haven’t been since I used to compete myself, which was about 10 years ago,’ she said.
‘And now I’m teaching. It’s a full-circle moment. The students have been working really hard for months now – they’re ready and also very excited.’