TALENTED students are bound for Dublin after successfully qualifying for the Dance World Cup.
Nine youngsters from Natalie Couper Dance Academy in Alloa will be heading to Ireland in July to compete for Scotland in Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobatics and Lyrical.
Up for the cup will be Jude Kempski, 5, Ariah Wraith, 7, Arlie Cochrane, 8, Eilidh Thomson, 10 Kornelia Rosinska, 10 Brooklynn Couper, 13, Kayla Haston, 14, Eilidh Hunter, 15 and Jodi Hall, 22.
Speaking to The Advertiser, Natalie said: "For the qualifiers, it was actually quite a last-minute decision. We didn't think we had a chance for it to be honest, because it's the biggest competition in the world.
"So we just thought we'd audition for the experience, see what it's like."
Students trained hard for two months, preparing routines which were to be filmed and sent off as entries.
Natalie continued: "It was mainly just to dip our toes into that world, so we were absolutely thrilled that quite a lot of them managed to qualify."
While Glasgow and Edinburgh are big dance hubs with plenty of opportunities, Natalie says sometimes it can be difficult for youngsters living in Alloa to access events, something she's tried to work on.
"We're just a wee dance school, but I think it shows them that the opportunities are out there, they just need to go for it. That's our aim at NCDA, we're trying to bring in more opportunities like lectures and workshops that bigger schools have," she said.
On the upcoming competition, Natalie said she was excited for her students to be inspired by the best of the world's talent.
She added: "I'm excited for them to meet people from around the world and see how different everyone's dance is."
Parents, teachers and the students have all been putting in a massive effort to fundraise for travel, uniforms, accommodation and entry costs.
To raise cash, the dance school has organised a bingo tea, a spring disco and a sponsored walk where gym goers will walk the equivalent distance of Alloa to Dublin and back.
Those interested in sponsoring a dancer can get in touch at: info@ncdanceacademy.co.uk
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