TALENTED young dancers in Halesowen are appealing for the public to help them achieve their dreams of performing against the best in the world in America.

Fifteen pupils aged between six and 13 from Centre Stage Dance Academy have been offered the chance to compete at the World Dance Championships 2018 in New Jersey this July but financial difficulties could mean scupper their chances of attending.

The dancers gained a place in the competition after winning numerous awards – including two prestigious golden tickets to the world championships – at the recent International Dance Competition in Manchester despite fierce opposition of more than 150 entries.

Natalie Tierney, principal at the Shell Corner-based school, said the golden tickets have given her pupils the “chance of a lifetime” but they now have only a few weeks to raise the money needed to get the children there.

“Being part of this competition is only granted to the best of the best globally,” Natalie said. “It was quite overwhelming when we think about what they have achieved. We are immensely proud of the pupils for being awarded the tickets.

“But to travel to America we need to raise £10,000 to cover the cost. Timescales are very limited and a lot of the children are from disadvantaged backgrounds who can’t afford to pay for the trip, especially at such short notice.

“I’m sure some of the children have never been abroad before, so this would mean everything to them.”

Natalie, who has been running the school since 2004, said the dancers have spent the past 18 months preparing for their opportunity.

“The girls have worked so hard for this chance and it would be devastating if we were not able to compete,” she said.

“We desperately want to not just represent Halesowen in an international competition, but also the West Midlands and the whole of the UK.”

The team spent the months fundraising to cover the entry fees and travel costs to enable them to participate at the Manchester competition, and they have already arranged for more fundraising events for the coming weeks.

Natalie added: “We have a couple of bag packs, cake sales and car washes lined up, and we’ll also be having a stall at Halesowen Carnival so people can find out more about what we’re trying to do.

“But to raise the amount we need it will take business backing, so I’m urging any local business to get in touch as their support could make a little girl’s dreams come true.”

To support the academy and donate online visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/centrestagedance-academy, while businesses wanting to sponsor the team can contact Natalie on 07986 695544 or email info@centrestagedanceacademy.co.uk.