Dancers Tap their way to the World Cup this Summer
A group of dancers from the Classique School of Dance in Waterlooville has been selected to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup in Dublin in July.
This is the first time the ten-strong Junior Small Tap Group Team has qualified, and the School is now raising funds to support the trip.
They will also be joined by Classique’s Senior Tap Soloist, Lydia Locke who has already competed – and been placed third in the world – twice.
The World Cup is recognised as the world’s largest annual multi-genre dance competition, featuring over 120,000 children and young adults from more than 60 countries.
Amelie Chance, Lilli-Mai Cullen, Alice Dibb, Enya-Mae Gooderham, Olivia Herriven, Ruby Howard, Olivia Jordan, Lola Meagher, Lottie Walker and Mia-Grace Wingate have danced and trained as a group for the past four years. They secured their place representing England after the dance school submitted a showcase video of the girls dancing in October 2025.
Dance teacher and choreographer Ellis Bryant explains: “We had a showcase where we filmed the students’ dance pieces for the online auditions. We submitted them to the Dance World Cup Team England Committee for judging by a panel of dance experts including Team England Head Judge, Rachel Scott. They were responsible for scoring and eventually selecting the dancers who will be taking part.
“We’re enormously proud of everything our dancers have achieved - and we’re very excited that they are joining Lydia. This is not just an opportunity to show what they can all do as part of Team England, all our dancers are showcasing the talent we have in the South – dancers, teachers and choreographers. Competing at this level requires a dedicated and passionate team with specialist skills.
“However, this is the first time we have taken a group to the World Cup and there’s a cost associated with that, hence the fundraising. We’re looking to run fun competitions events and get friends, family and the wider community involved too. To find out more, people can follow our social channels and if anyone would like to donate a raffle prize, we’d love to talk to you.”
Lydia began dancing at Classique at the age of three and is currently training at Chichester College to become a qualified dance teacher. She said: “The Dance World Cup is an amazing experience. Qualifying for the third consecutive year and achieving bronze medals for my tap solo two years running has been amazing. What makes this year truly special, however, is seeing my Classique teammates qualify for the first time. I can’t wait to travel to Dublin and share this fantastic opportunity with them.”
The World Cup takes place at The Convention Centre in Dublin from 8th to 18th July. The Junior and Senior part of the competition runs from 13th to 18th July.
Ellis adds: “The World Cup is a true celebration of dance. It also gives all competitors the opportunity to attend masterclasses held at the venue for the students to further their training. Big names in the dance world such as Abby-Lee Miller and Adam Garcia have taken master classes in previous years. It makes it a really magical experience and one we will certainly be making the most of!
“We will be flying out for a few days to catch some other classes and see the incredible talent whilst also practicing wherever possible. With lots of family also coming to support this is going to be a lot of fun."
Classique School of Dance was established by Gemma Siamantas in 2003 and teaches a range of dance genres to students of all ages and abilities. To find out more visit classiquedance.co.uk
Gemma commented: “I am extremely proud for my students to be representing England. An amazing third time for Lydia and first time for our group. Go Team Classique. Good luck to Team England.”
To make a donation or take part in a fundraising event, contact Classique School of Dance, and to find out how the dancers get on, follow the School’s social channels.