A DANCE school based in Basingstoke has returned from the Dance World Cup (DWC) in Spain with a handful of medals for Team England.

Meraki Dance Studios at the Westside Community Centre on Paddock Road sent 16 dancers to the event in San Sebastián, Spain, and came back with one gold medal and three silver medals.

This was the first time the Basingstoke school made it to the DWC.

READ MORE: Basingstoke dance school enters Dance World Cup in Spain

Maxine Hadley, the principal of Meraki Dance Studios, said their “feet haven’t touched the ground” since returning from the world cup.

“DWC has been a fantastic experience for all involved and we honestly are blown away with our results,” Maxine said.

“Our team travelled out to San Sebastián with no expectations but a lot of heart and hard work before the event. Things were not smooth on the lead up to represent England, with flights being cancelled and costumes not arriving. But we were determined to make the most of the opportunity we had been given.

“Just the sheer numbers of dancers arriving at the venue and the size of the stage would have been overwhelming for any little dancer. But I have to say our team were just excited to step out onto that world stage.”

Meraki’s first performance was with their show dance Beetlejuice. Every mini dancer in Meraki team was involved in this routine, and they came away with a silver for Team England.

The mini dancers followed this with their commercial routine in which they became the world champions.

They also won silver in Time after Time lyrical routine and another silver in song group.

This was followed by two older students performing an Acro duet. They finished in seventh place among a list of strong contenders.

“We were very lucky to have such fantastic support back home and would like to thank all the families from our school and our fabulous sponsors Hellermann Tyton, Talent Locker, Logic Contract Services, Basingstoke Rotary Club and Rob Goddard,” Maxine said.

SEE ALSO: ‘Sinking’ play area in Spencer Drive, Basingstoke to be saved finally

“Without the support of our sponsors this honestly wouldn’t have been something we could have achieved and we want to thank you personally for believing in these children and making their dreams come true. I mean how many kids can say they won a medal for their country.”

Maxine is supported by choreographers Gaby White and Libby Kenley in teaching dance to the group.

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