A Highfield Leadership Academy pupils is hoping to set toes tapping as she competes in the Dance World Cup in Rome.

Emily Marucci, from South Shore, has earned a place on a coveted team to represent England in the competition which will be taking place this summer. The 14-year-old is one of around 40 local children, who attend Langley Dance Academy, who will travel to Rome to perform in the Jazz, contemporary, tap and commercial categories. The dance students, who are aged 8-17, will compete against 62 countries and around 20,000 competitors, making it the biggest dance competition in the world.

 

Emily who has been dancing since she was three-years-old, spoke of her excitement on hearing the news.  She said:

“Our dance teacher told us the news during one of our rehearsals and we all just started screaming. We were so happy we just couldn’t believe it. I have always dreamt of competing in the World Cup but I never thought it was possible. It’s just amazing that I will now finally get to take part. I spend most of my free time dancing, I don’t really have much time for a social life outside of my dancing but it’s completely worth it. My mum and dad are really supportive – they come and watch all my shows and competitions and they have told me how proud they are of me.My teachers at Highfield Leadership Academy have been great and have been so excited for me.”

Andrew Galbraith, Principal at Highfield Leadership Academy, praised Emily for her achievement. He said:

“It is wonderful to hear about our pupils doing so well in their extra curricula activities. We know that Emily is a very dedicated dancer and her place on this team is very well deserved. We will all be cheering her on with every step of her dance routine and wish Emily and the rest of the team every success in the competition.”

Pupils from the dance school are now fundraising to help pay for the cost of competing. To donate please visit  https://www.facebook.com/donate/109687663799451/2304620439829103/