A group of young east London dancers could miss out on a major competition if a fundraising campaign fails to meet its target.
The East London Youth Dance Company (ELYDC), based in Stratford, has been selected to represent London at the U.Dance National Festival in Glasgow this July.
But it faces a race against time to raise £2,000 by June 18 to secure its place at the event.
ELYDC is a free dance training programme for 13 to 17-year-olds in east London.
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Dominic Hamilton and Tegan Browne-Winter, group leaders at ELYDC, said: "Attending U.Dance would be a significant opportunity for our dancers – many of whom would not otherwise have access to a national platform.
"We are doing everything we can to make this possible."
The group was chosen from thousands of applicants nationwide and will perform their original piece, Unified, at Glasgow’s Tramway venue from July 3 to 5.
Created collaboratively by the young dancers, the piece explores themes of resilience, identity, and collective strength.
The U.Dance National Festival is organised by One Dance UK and provides a professional platform for young dancers.
It includes performance opportunities alongside workshops with leading companies and career talks from industry professionals.
For many ELYDC members, it would be their first experience performing on a national stage and could be a life-changing step toward a professional dance career.
Mr Hamilton and Ms Browne-Winter said: "Opportunities like U.Dance give young dancers a platform to perform, build confidence, and share their creativity.
"They encourage connection, inspiration, and learning from others, helping dancers grow artistically and personally while feeling part of a wider, supportive dance community."
The company has raised some funds through its ongoing crowdfunding campaign, Support our Road to Glasgow, but time is running out to reach the full target.
If the £2,000 goal is not met by June 18, the dancers will have to withdraw from the festival.
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/road-to-glasgow.
