Portsmouth dancers raising money for trip to Disney World in Florida

The troop from Abstract Dance and Performing Arts, based in North End, were picked after sending in an audition tape to dance at Disney Springs.

But they need to pay to get there so they are holding a number of fundraising events for the trip, which is planned for August next year.

Founder of Abstract Amber Leigh Mitchell said it was a fantastic opportunity for the 10 women who make up the Distraction Dance Company.

‘We are all so excited and it is going to be fantastic,’ she said.

‘We will be performing twice with different routines for each and we have been practising hard.

‘Our audition tape was sent off in January and we were up against hundreds of other groups.

‘It was amazing when we got the email saying we had won a place.’

Last year, the group was chosen to perform in Disneyland Paris and loved every minute of it.

Member Holly Strawbridge, from Portsmouth, said: ‘We had such a good time in Paris so going to Florida is that extra bit special.

‘We’re all excited and it is such a good opportunity. We didn’t think we would 
be picked so it was a real shock.’

Fellow dancer Lauren Rose agreed. The 25-year-old, from Waterlooville, added: ‘When you join a dance group you never expect to have an opportunity like this.

‘In Paris, we only performed once so it was over quickly but in Florida we have got two days of performing so we can enjoy it more.’

To help pay for new costumes and travel to America, Abstract is holding a number of fundraisers.

As well as having a pyjama week for the dancers, they have held a raffle and are collecting money at events they are performing at including The News’ We Can Do It awards which were held last month.

To make a donation visit gofundme.com/distractiondcflorida.