A dance team from Bromsgrove are representing England at the Dance World Cup 2021.

An Acro troupe from Rising Stars Academy of Dance and Gymnastics are representing England at the competition which will be held in Telford later this year.

The academy on Station Street, run by Yvonne Rowley, offers dance and gymnastic classes such as cheerleading, commercial, musical theatre and ballet.

The troupe on their way to represent England comprises of, 10 students, all 9 to 16 years old.

Yvonne Rowley, owner of Rising Stars Academy said: “We sent a three-minute-long video in to be judged, but the girls didn’t know we had sent the video in, we did it in secret. We all cried when we found out we got through!

“We have always got through to a national competition in Blackpool which will be held in July with the same Acro troupe plus another Acro troupe and some solo and duet dancers."

Acro is a style of dance that includes gymnastics such as walkovers, cartwheels and tumbles.

Yvonne added: “We have already started the routine, as it’s the routine we submitted to qualify with some added changes.

“We are so excited and extremely proud that our Acro team will be representing England at such a prestigious event competing against elite teams from all over the world. They are such a dedicated team and work extremely hard. We would be extremely grateful for any donation however small, to help towards England team kit and expenses.

“We have already raised £2,800 in a week from sponsorships. Our sponsors so far are McDonald’s, Medicare, Legionella Watch, Taps U.K, C & C Flooring, AUGER and AJR Design solutions."

The Dance World Cup was scheduled to be in Rome this year but due to the Covid pandemic the organisers made the decision to hold the competition in Telford.

The cup which will be held in August was cancelled last year so all 2020 competitors will perform from August 9, followed by 2021 competitors.

To donate visit the dance academy’s gofundme page.