12 year old Crompton House student Poppy Richardson will soon be swapping her school shoes for dancing shoes as she jets off to Spain to represent England on the international stage in the Dance World Cup finals from 24th June – 2nd July 2022.
Having recently received a letter from Sandringham House conveying the Queen’s best wishes, the talented young dancer hopes to do Her Majesty proud as she competes as part of Team England during the summer of Platinum Jubilee year, at the event being held in San Sebastian. 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 5, talented Poppy has received training in ballet, tap, modern, street and musical theatre and will take part in four group dances during the prestigious event. 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. In the future, she aspires to gain a degree in Performing Arts and go on to pursue a career in the professional world of drama and dance.
Poppy says:
“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 that 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 from Spain – 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 over 120,000 young people from 52 countries across the globe aiming 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 says:
“As parents we are very proud of Poppy’s dedication, hard work and resilience shown to her training. 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.”
Mr Karl Newell, Headteacher of Crompton House School said:
“The staff and students of Crompton House 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.”
Photograph courtesy of Drew Tommons – Virtuoso Dance Photography
