A troupe of Taranaki dancers is heading off on a dance tour of a lifetime to perform at Disneyworld next year.
The Dance Project is group of dancers from all over Taranaki who are training out of Stratford's Studio 2 dance studio which is owned by Hayley Old and Becky Walsh.
The group is on a fundraising mission to raise over $40,000 for the trip of a lifetime to visit New York and Orlando in 2018 while on a World Class Dance Tour next September.
The dancers, who are aged between 11 and 27, were auditioned by Studio 2 to be part of the project and are looking forward to the two week trip.
Becky says the trip will open the dancer's eyes up to the world of dance.
"They can see how the arts world works and that you can make a loving from dancing. It's something you can have as a career. It will be good for some of the girls and guys who haven't experienced the huge world of performing arts."
Hayley says organising such a big trip is keeping her busy, but will be worth the hardwork.
"These kids are the best and deserve it. A lot of planning and fundraising goes into it so we are always on the go which is when Becky and I work best!"
She says the dancers will get to experience the very best the world has to offer in performing arts during the trip.
"Whether they and the best dancer or just love to dance, this trip is a dream come true for them. They will get to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity of dancing on the world stage at Disneyworld which it just doesn't get better than that when you come from little old Taranaki!"
The group will perform a set at Disneyworld as part of the tour which will be two weeks long and be involved in many dance seminars and workshops. The project is currently selling tickets to its biggest fundraiser, a stage show and a cabaret called New York! New York! The fun evening is being held on November 11 and will exhibit some of the dances the group is preparing for their performance at Disneyworld as well as an auction.
There are only a few tables left for the event which has a cocktail dress code. Each table will be provided with food as well as wine and cheese and a cash bar will be available. Becky says the dancers have been working hard fundraising, getting out most weekends to work at the rugby, sell fudge and hosting raffles.
"What ever we can get our hands on to fundraise we are doing."
Money raised will help cover the dancer's costumes, uniforms, flights, insurance and food.
Becky says all of the dancers picked to go on the tour had one thing in common - passion.
"It doesn't matter where you are from what size you are, what age you are - it's about your passion. The girls and guys involved are absolutely fabulous and work so hard."
Hayley says the group is working hard to prepare for the trip, with practice every Sunday.
" In preparation for our New York! New York! cabaret night, our rehearsals go from around 2pm till sometimes 8pm, so everyone is working extremely hard to put on an amazing show."
New York! New York! is on November 11. Tables of eight are available for $500 and bleacher seat tickets are $40. Guests who book tables will be provided with platters of food as well as wine and cheese. Raffles and an auction will be held during the night.
A DJ will entertain guests after the stage show and there will be a cash bar. Contact Hayley on hayley-old@hotmail.co.nz for tickets.