BYSD & Performing Arts Dancers Set Sights on the O2 While Supporting Local Charity

BYSD & Performing Arts Dancers Set Sights on the O2 While Supporting Local Charity

Founded by Marie Booth in 1999, BYSD & Performing Arts has been inspiring young performers across Cumbria for almost  28 years. This year, the school is celebrating another exciting milestone as 18 dancers prepare to perform at the prestigious Indigo Theatre at London’s O2 Arena, while also raising funds for costumes and supporting the local charity CRY Eden.

Since opening the school, Marie has offered children and young people the opportunity to take recognised examinations in Dance, Acro Dance, Drama and Singing, helping them develop confidence, creativity and valuable performance skills.

Over the years, BYSD & Performing Arts students have enjoyed a wide range of performance opportunities, including appearing with the English Youth Ballet, performing in the Sands Centre Pantomime, becoming associates with Northern Ballet, and taking to local stages such as the Sands Centre, Theatre by the Lake and Penrith Playhouse. Pupils have also performed on four MSC cruise ships and twice at His Majesty’s Theatre in London.

Now, 18 dancers aged between 7 and 15 years old are preparing for their latest adventure at the Indigo Theatre at the O2. The group will perform two five-minute routines before joining a spectacular finale alongside performers from across the country.

Marie Booth said: “We are incredibly excited about this opportunity. Performing at the O2 is a fantastic achievement for our dancers and a chance for them to create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. They have all worked exceptionally hard and thoroughly deserve this opportunity.”

To help make the trip possible, BYSD & Performing Arts is fundraising towards the cost of costumes.  The school is also proud to be raising money for CRY Eden.

The fundraising campaign has already brought together dancers, parents, grandparents, teachers and supporters from the wider community, reflecting the strong family atmosphere that has been at the heart of the school since its beginnings.

As excitement continues to build, the dancers are busy rehearsing and looking forward to representing Cumbria on one of the country’s most iconic stages while supporting a cause that means so much to everyone at BYSD.