Southwell stars qualify for Dance World Cup

Ten dancers from one school have qualified for the Dance World Cup — the most in the school’s history.

Alicia Costello, from Southwell, whose daughter Sofia, 15, qualified for a spot at the World Cup, said dancing had offered a huge mental release during lockdown.

“Sofia trained so hard from home during lockdown and the school (Expressive Arts Academy) now has ten girls going,” said Alicia.

“A lot of young people have suffered mentally during lockdown.

“Sofia said to me that if it wasn’t for her dance that she would be struggling.

“The teachers have been great and have continued to put the lessons on over Zoom.”

Cathy Marshall, whose daughter Holly, 12, qualified, also praised the school.

“All of the girls will have their own story to tell, each of them have fought their own mental battles through lockdown,” said Cathy, of Sherwood.

“Dance has helped them to keep emotionally and physically well and the Dance World Cup has kept them focused and given them something amazing to look ahead too.”

This year’s competition will take place in the UK in conjunction with the 2020 event, which was postponed due to covid.