Read April's's The Edge as a PDF - The Edge Magazine

I
n January 2011, a team was created by
Dance & Cheer 49 (DC49) made up of a
group of 14 aspiring dancers from The
Boswells School, Chelmsford, of mixed
ages, abilities and backgrounds. Primarily,
the aim was to train in the style of ‘Lyrical
Jazz’ in order to increase their versatility as
dancers and enter small competitions
throughout the UK. Yet within just a few
weeks and under 10 hours of training, a twoand-a-half
minute routine entitled ‘The Rose’
was created and ready to be performed at
the ‘ICC Southern Regional Competition’.
This routine was warmly received by all of
the spectators and judges alike and the
team managed to gain 2nd place in their
very first competition.
After further training, the routine was entered
into the ‘Future Cheer International Cheer &
Dance Competition’ and amazingly, it was
here that they were rewarded with the prize
that every dancer can only dream about -
the chance to compete at the World Dance
Championships in Orlando, Florida.
In addition, the dancers have been asked to
compete at the 'ICU World Championships'
also held in Orlando. This event is Olympic
themed in which just one team from each
country competes in the hope of winning a
Gold, Silver or Bronze medal.
These competitions, which run during 24th April -
2nd May 2012, involve dance teams from all over
the world, yet this is the very first time these
Boswells School dancers have ever been invited
to anything even remotely at this level and something
they never imagined would happen after
such a small amount of training and experience in
this particular dance style. That’s why the dancers
are currently undergoing intense training sessions
in order to be able to proudly represent the UK at
Chelmsford Dancers
to represent UK
such a very high level and are dedicating each
and every hour to ensuring they improve and
progress.
Now For The Ugly Bit: Undertaking a trip of this
nature obviously has huge financial implications,
so the dancers and their parents have been
organising endless events and activities in order
to raise sufficient funds. So far they have managed
to raise just over £4,000 and although they
are very proud of what they have achieved, the
financial impediments mean that
they are still a long way short of
their ultimate target. To cover
their flights, transfers, hotel
accommodation, minibus hire,
entrance fees, kit and use of
training facilities whilst over
there, they are going to need
approximately £1,050 per
dancer. Unfortunately, to date,
they have been turned down by
a large amount of
funders due to this prestigious
event being held overseas.
Teenagers continually receive
bad press, but these dancers
are working so incredibly hard.
They train endlessly, they all
help each other out and they are
all growing up to be happy,
healthy, disciplined and positive
individuals with real determination.
Surely this attitude and
behaviour is something that
ought to be both rewarded and
encouraged?
Some of the dancers have never
even travelled abroad before, so
not only is this an experience of
a lifetime, it is also incredibly
educational, as well as being a
truly fantastic challenge.
This dedicated team of young dancers are still
looking for sponsorship and donations that will
help them raise enough money to fund their trip.
If anyone is interested in sponsoring or giving
donations to the team, please contact Jane Dixon-
Hodge on 0772 556 8628
Written by Matthew Jones and Jane Dixon-Hodge
its that t time again!
ROSE AND CROWN
WRITTLE
BEER
FESTIVAL
57 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 3DT
Tel: 01245 420066 - Email: rose.crownwrittle@btinternet.com
om
www.roseandcrownwrittle.co.uk
co.uk
Rose and Crown
Public House : Restaurant : Function Room
EASTER BEER FESTIVAL
IS BACK
Easter weekend April 6th - 9th
Over 50 real ales, cider and perry
LIVE MUSIC EACH EVENING
(Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
UP AND COMING EVENTS
19th April - Open Mic Night
26th May - Working Progress Band
Function room available for hire
Homemade Food Served Daily
shaun@theedgemag.co.uk Page 23