Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rhinestones Dance Academy are launching a new Rhinestones Elite Team Class on the back of the success of a 6-month pilot including a positive showing at the Cheerdance UK competition at Blackpool Tower last weekend.
The new Elite Rhinestones team, led by Leeds Rhinos Foundation Dance Development Officers Nicola Booth and assisted by Taylor Heaps has been set up with the purpose of offering further opportunities for Rhinestones members to take part in dance competition alongside their regular sessions and performances across the city.
The new class, open for audition to members of the Rhinestones Dance Academy, will help those wanting to take their dancing to another level by attending the new elite team class on top of their regular class and a chance to perform as a display team for events and as a competition team.
Although no trophies were won on the day, Rhinestones members who were selected to compete in the competition performed well in solo and squad dances in only their second competition since working together for only 6 months.
Alongside performances from the children, the competition which is designed for all ages and abilities, provided a platform for parents to compete as part of over 50 mum’s and dad’s taking part in the weekend, with Richard Sharp stealing the show by impressing the crowds and finishing third overall.
Nicola Booth commented on the launch of the new class:
“We have kept it under the radar but a small group of Rhinestones have been involved in the pilot of the Elite Team and it has been a huge success.
“They have competed in two cheer competitions and performed at various events and have gained an awful lot from the experience. I am now able to open this up to the rest of my Rhinestones members too.
“This team is for committed dancers that are looking for extra tuition to further their dance technique and skill level and get more performance experience with classes on Wednesday evenings at the Stadium and performances and competitions taking place mainly on weekend days.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Dance Coordinator added:
“Rhinestones changes lives for people and gives so many amazing opportunities that other groups would never usually get.
“The Rhinestones members wouldn’t get any of these opportunities without the drive and passion that Nicola Booth gives to the group and this new class will be another great opportunity to improve and enjoy more competitions and performances.”
Lucy Walker, parent of Rhinestones dancer Bobbi aged 11 said:
“What makes Rhinestones special is that it feels so different from the other dance schools, so inclusive, accessible and down to earth.
“There’s always a great buzz and the children learn such fun dances. The opportunities you give these children to grow in confidence in a truly levelling environment is unique; it started with the pitch dances but has grown to include the arts awards, flash mobs, travelling to St James’ Park and competitions in Blackpool Tower ballroom and Bobbi is only 11!”
Janette Roberts, mother of Rhinestones member Georgia added:
“What an amazing way to announce the Elite team, myself and Georgia love the elite family, all the girls have worked so hard and have improved so much and you can see how much they all enjoy it.
“Just would like to say a big thank you to all involved for giving up your own time to develop and support the elite family Nicki, Taylor, Helen, Amy and Lish, I personally know how hard it is sometimes and it’s so easy for people to forget that all this has been done for the love not money, especially on performance days. Once again a very big thank you and well done to Nicki and her team.”
For more information on the Rhinestones contact Nicola.Booth@leedsrhinosfoundation.org or click here
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