A Glasgow dance school is gearing up for their ‘biggest achievement yet’ this summer. 

18 kids from the JA Academy of Dance and Technique, which is based in Dennistoun, will be representing Team Scotland as they are set to head to Prague to compete in the Dance World Cup. 

Glasgow Times:

“It’s just incredible that we qualified, we’re all just completely blown away, Julianne Andrew, principal, owner and choreographer of JA told the Glasgow Times.

She continued: “This is the hardest competition that these girls will ever do because it is against the whole world so to speak – it’s the school’s biggest achievement. 

“The kids were ecstatic when they found out. We had tears and laughter – it means so much to them. They train so hard, and this is a prestigious competition, we’re overwhelmed.”

Glasgow Times:

After taking part in a regional competition to qualify for the World Cup, the 18 girls were one of around four selected to represent the country. 

The girls managed to qualify in 23 routines across solos, duets and teams, which Julianne said, ‘blew her away’. 

And what makes it even more special? This was the team’s first year entering the qualifiers and cup after the school opened a mere two years ago. 

Julianne said: “We went in for the experience and didn’t know what was going to happen, so the fact we qualified is unbelievable. 

“It’s incredible that this was our first year entering it and that we managed to qualify with 23 routines, I’m feeling really proud.”

The competition will run from June 27 until July 6, where the team will compete against 100s of other competitors in each category.

They will face several other countries including Japan, the USA and Spain.  

Glasgow Times:

The dance school have started doing a couple of their own fundraisers as the competition will cost around £2.5k for each competitor. 

Julianne said: “We have all been working really hard in the background to fundraise a bit. 

“We will of course go, despite the costs, but funds are a challenge on their own.”

To also help with funds, the school are looking for any sponsorships. 

If you want to sponsor the team or find out more information about the school, click HERE  

To find out more about the Dance World Cup, click HERE