Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rhinestones Dance Academy entertained a sell-out crowd at the 7th annual Rhinestones show over the weekend at the Grammar School at Leeds.
Over 120 dancers from the academy, which now runs at three weekly locations across the city, took part in the ‘Dance Through the Decades’ show on Sunday, showcasing street dance and cheer routines learnt throughout the term in the build up to the show.
The young dancers aged 4 to 16 attend classes based at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Ralph Thoresby High School and Temple Moor High School. where Children aged from 5 years old are invited to attend and start to learn dance.
The show was produced and choreographed by Dance Development Officer Nicola Booth, who oversees the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Dance delivery through the Rhinestones Academy and in primary and secondary schools throughout the region, engaging with hundreds of young people every year.
Due to popularity, Rhinestones also launched a new class at Wetherby Sports Association recently, as the fourth weekly dance group running in the city with dancers from the class to be involved in the Rhinestones Show next year.
Speaking after the show Nicola said:
"Lead ups to show time are always challenging but seeing the end result has made all the hard work worthwhile. The show was fantastic!
“Some of the dancers involved have never done a show before where, others are now season professionals when it comes to performing, but they were all fantastic in their own little way. I'm so super proud of all of them.
“It’s always a great reward for the dancers to get to perform in front of parents and supporters so it was really pleasing that so many came to support and help out, big love to my rhinestones family.”
Rhinestones Performer and Student Teacher Amy Crosland said:
“It was amazing and we couldn't ask for a better group to perform with.”
Parent Lucy Walker said:
“Nicola is a real inspiration to Bobs you know and to me and the show was something else tonight a massive well done to everyone involved.”
If you’re interested in taking part in regular dance classes with the Rhinestones visit http://www.leedsrhinosfoundation.org/dance/28854.php
Or contact Nicola.Booth@leedsrhinosfoundation.org for more information.