CROMPTON House student Poppy Richardson is swapping her school shoes for dancing shoes as she jets off to Spain to represent England in the Dance World Cup finals.
Having received a letter from Sandringham House conveying the Queen’s best wishes, the talented 12-year-old hopes to do Her Majesty proud as she competes in San Sebastian from June 24-July 2.
Poppy is aiming to dazzle the judging panel as she performs lead vocals for Team England, who return to the competition after being crowned World Cup champions in 2020/21.
Starting dance classes aged five, Poppy has received training in ballet, tap, modern, street and musical theatre and will take part in four group dances during the prestigious event.
She said: “I am so excited to have been selected to take part in this year’s World Cup representing my country; it’s amazing to know the Queen is wishing us well!
“I will be training now for around 18 hours a week – longer in the holidays – on the run up to the event.
“We want to give it everything we’ve got and bring some medals home – it would be the icing on the cake for the Platinum Jubilee.”
With UK patrons including Wayne Sleep CBE and Arlene Phillips CBE, the Dance World Cup sees more than 120,000 young people from 52 countries aim to qualify for a coveted place in the finals – with just four places available per age group and genre for each nation.
Poppy’s mum Natalie added: “We are very proud of Poppy’s dedication, hard work and resilience. She has had to work extremely hard both in and out of school, making sacrifices to concentrate on her training and studies.
“She is also fundraising to help the team with travel costs to Spain – we are all really excited to see what the summer brings.”
As well as being dedicated to her school studies, Poppy, who is in Year 8, trains each week with the Cheshire Theatre School, attends monthly Jazz courses and is part of the Manchester Elite Team at Stagebox Musical Theatre.
She hopes to gain a degree in Performing Arts and go on to pursue a career in the professional world of drama and dance.
Mr Karl Newell, Headteacher of Crompton House School said: “The staff and students are incredibly proud of Poppy in securing a place as part of Team England in the Dance World Cup finals.
“She is a fantastic role model whom we hope will motivate and inspire other young dancers to follow in her footsteps.”
For more information on the Dance World Cup 2022 visit https://dwcworld.com/