A local dance troupe has performed at the Liverpool Echo Arena at one of the UK’s largest dance events.
Eleven performers aged 10 - 21 from the Douglas-based dance group, Ny Hellanee Dance Troupe, took to the main stage of the arena as part of the ‘Can you Dance? Super Convention’. The dancers performed an original contemporary routine - Welcome to Wonderland – in front of an audience of industry professionals, expert choreographers, dance scouts and spectators.
Over the weekend the young dancers also got the opportunity to participate in workshops and masterclasses run by some of the UK’s top Performing Arts Colleges, renowned dance tutors and well-known choreographers.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company was pleased to offer its support by providing free-of-charge return ferry travel for the young dancers and a reduced fee for the accompanying adults.
21-year-old Beth Brown, Ny Hellanee Dance Troupe founder, started the group in September 2017. The experienced young dancer is currently studying towards her teacher qualification at Theatrix Theatre School in Douglas, alongside her two dance assistants Caitlin Cowin and Mary Teare.
The troupe, which performs contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and commercial hip hop, has grown significantly in the past 12 months and now offers dance workshops during school holidays.
Beth said: ‘The Can you Dance? Super Convention was a fantastic experience and the girls took a lot away from the performance and workshops. To perform on the main stage of the Liverpool Echo Arena was incredible and something I don’t think anyone will forget anytime soon.
‘The convention is also a great opportunity to be spotted for scholarships and awards so it is amazing to put our talented island dancers in the spotlight on such a prominent platform in the UK.
‘A big thank you goes out to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and our other generous sponsors – without their support it just wouldn’t have been possible to get there!’
Chief Executive of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Mark Woodward said: ‘It’s great to see young dancers on the island aspire to do something they love. Dancing is a brilliant release of energy and teaches young people the importance of team work, among other things, so we were pleased to assist the local dance troupe and wish them all the best for future performances and competitions.’
