The Knox group of companies is delighted to announce that it is supporting a group of young dancers from Peel based dance school, Gena’s Dance Academy (GDA) at the upcoming IFDPA dance championships in Disneyland® Paris.
The International Festival of Dance and Performing Arts (IFDPA) event takes place annually with competitors attending from over 30 countries, enabling young performers to meet and compete at an international level. This will be the second year GDA has entered the competition, building on the success of last year’s event where the junior dancers placed 2nd in their category and the seniors placed 3rd.
The dancers, aged between 7 and 14 years, will travel to Disneyland® Paris on the 4th October to compete in the two day event. They will be accompanied by their parents and GDA teachers Gena Walker and Lucy Matthews who have choreographed the competition pieces. The weekend event culminates with the dancers taking part in the Disney® Park Parade, which will see thousands of people line the park streets to watch the competitors perform a special routine prepared by Disney® Choreographers. The dancers had to audition in order to gain a place in the park parade performance.
Commenting on the competition, Tim Eve, Deputy Chairman, Knox group of companies said; “Supporting young talent is a core part of our ethos, and we are delighted to offer our assistance once again to Gena and her team. It is a fantastic opportunity for the girls to compete at an International level and build upon the previous success of the dance school. Taking part in such high profile events demonstrates the incredibly high standards of sport and dance on the Island. We wish them all the very best of luck.”
Gena Walker, Owner of GDA commenting on the support said; “We are all very excited to be travelling once again to Disneyland® Paris to compete. Without the support of our sponsors including the Isle of Man Arts Council, The Barrowman Foundation and the Knox group of companies we wouldn’t be able to attend. So we are extremely grateful for their support and encouragement,”
The Knox group of companies has provided the nine member dance squad with branded T-shirts for the competition.