Dance your socks off for charity

The British Red Cross has invited hundreds of talented young people to take to the stage and get involved with their Dance for Life project.

This year’s project promises to be bigger and better than ever, with everyone being urged to pull on their dancing shoes and take part in one of the largest celebrations of youth dance.

Lee Matthews, Dance for Life co-ordinator, said: “Dance for Life allows young performers to enjoy dancing on a professional stage while raising money for the world’s largest humanitarian network.

“The competition is a chance for young people from all cultural and social backgrounds to get together and have fun through a love of dance.

“You do not have to be a brilliant dancer, you just need to be willing to have some fun and join other young performers doing something amazing for charity.”

The charity is calling all schools, colleges, dance groups and youth groups to take part and help raise funds to enable its work to continue.

Last year’s event raised £250,000 for the charity, and organisers are hoping to smash that target in 2011.

The event is open to anyone under 18, and groups are invited to choreograph a dance routine that reflects an aspect of the Red Cross’s work.

Dancers will then perform at one of four Sussex and Surrey competitions, with the West Sussex heat being held at the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis, on June 25.

The winners of the heats will then go through to the area final on July 9, in Crawley, and dance for a chance to perform at the national final at the O2 in London, on July 17.

The first school to sign up in West Sussex was the Angmering School and they are looking forward to some fierce competition.

To find out more or to register to take part call 01962 891678.