Leeds Rugby Foundation has been helping aspiring young dancers develop their passion for dancing and show their support for the Leeds Rhinos through their Junior Dance Academy, the Rhinestones.
For the last two years hundreds of dancers have trained with the Leeds Rhinos dance team and not only have they learned new skills, met new friends and got active, they have also been given the opportunity to perform on the same pitch as their Rhinos heroes.
Rhinestones offers individuals the opportunity to develop dance skills with a focus on cheer and street dance and classes are taught by experienced members of the Leeds Rhinos Dance Team.
The Rhinos Junior Academy was created by Rhinos Dance captain Nicola Booth in 2009 and since that time has grown in popularity, with children of all ages and ability taking part throughout the year. This week Nicola took time out from the class to explain more about what the Rhinestones is all about, she said: "The Leeds Rhinos team are a massive part of the local community and have inspired many children to take up playing rugby.
Whilst it is fantastic to see so many getting involved and playing the sport we also wanted to also offer children who might not want to play rugby a chance to be part of the club and the Rhinestones is a fantastic way for them to do this.
"Since it began the Junior Dance Academy has gone from strength to strength and the popularity of our Rhinestones classes shows that kids do want to be active and learn new skills and we are really pleased that we can help them do this in a fun way whilst also supporting their favourite team.
"Rhinestones encourages healthy lifestyles and it's good for confidence building too and that's what we really want to do. We want to give them skills and develop that but we want to give them a confidence boost too."
Throughout the year the Rhinestones get the chance to perform at a Leeds Rhinos match at Headingley Carnegie Stadium and at an annul Christmas show and this year Nicola reveals there will be a special cameo appearance in the Rhinestones team, with a member of the Rhinos Super League winning team also wanting to get in on the act. She explained: "Rob Burrow will be joining us this year for our show. I don't want to reveal too much, but he will be showing his moves and throwing some shapes, which will be good fun."
Rhinestones classes are run every Monday and Tuesday, during term time, for children aged 5-15. If you would like to be involved in the Rhinestones contact nicola.booth@leedsrugby.com
Class times:
Monday at Headingley Carnegie Stadium
Minis (Age 5-7) 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Juniors (Age 8-10) 6.15pm – 7pm
Seniors (Age 11-16) 7pm – 8pm
Every Tuesday ay Temple Moor High School
Minis and Juniors – 5pm – 6pm
Seniors – 6pm – 7pm