Solihull Dancers Enter World Cup With Help From Birmingham Airport Trust Fund
Birmingham Airport has awarded Spotlight Stage School, based in North Solihull, with a grant to support them in representing England at the 2016 Dance World Cup in Jersey later this month.
Spotlight is an independent part-time stage school where aspiring performers can train in all aspects of theatre arts.
Starting with just 60 pupils the school now provides tuition to over 400 youngsters on a weekly basis. Pupils have performed in famous West End shows, UK tours and at Disneyland Paris, as well as appearing in numerous films, TV shows and commercials.
Vicky Richards, Principal and Founder of Spotlight, said: “Pupils attend classes for fun and fitness, to make friends, to increase self-confidence or with a view to becoming a professional performer or teacher of theatre arts.
“There is no audition to become a member as there are different classes to cater for all ability ranges. There are classes suitable for beginners of all ages as well as those with previous experience. All we ask for is dedication and a will to succeed.
“We are totally overwhelmed to receive this grant and extremely grateful to Birmingham Airport’s Trustees. The money will help us with the cost of the outfits that will be required for various competitions, particularly the Dance World Cup this month.”
Qualifying for the Dance World Cup is a huge achievement in itself with the top two children in the country going through based on age groups and dance styles. This year Spotlight has qualified with 14 routines.
The competition attracts around 18,000 competitors from 38 countries. Last year Spotlight bought home three gold, three silver and two bronze medals!
Andy Holding, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Birmingham Airport, said: “The Trustees decided to award Spotlight with this funding as Vicky and the team do an incredible job to teach young people to dance to a very high standard.
“The dedication and commitment shown by both teachers and pupils is heart-warming and the opportunities these children receive are life changing. This is very much in line with our Corporate Responsibility Strategy of developing local communities and promoting health and wellbeing in the area.
“We wish them a huge amount of luck in the Dance World Cup and we look forward to hearing about how many medals they bring home this year.”
The funding awarded, forms part of the Birmingham Airport Community Trust Fund which awards grants of up to £3,000 to community groups in areas most affected by the Airport’s operations. Each year the airport contributes £75,000 to the Community Trust Fund. Additionally any charges made to airlines which breach night noise regulations, are added to the fund.