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Performers from a local dance school are set to give a magical performance in Paris next year.

Dancers from Sophia Leong Dance Academy, which has a branch in Fleur-de-lis, are heading to France to perform at Disneyland Paris on April 1, 2024

Teacher and studio owner Sophia Leong, 47, told Caerphilly Observer more about the opportunity.

“I think it’s a very exciting opportunity for the children,” said Sophia, “they’re all very, very excited about it.”

The performance came about after the school sent off a video of their February Wizard of Oz performance to serve as their audition.

“It was something that we thought about applying for for some time, said Sophia, “After Covid everybody needed a boost.”

She continued: “This year seemed like a good time to do it.”

Along the Fleur-de-lys Institute, there are also branches in New Inn and Newport, all of which operate under the umbrella of Sophia Leong Dance Academy (SLDA).

Though the academy offers lessons in ballet, modern and tap dance to all ages and levels, the dancers heading off to France are a smaller collective known as the performance group.

“Twenty-three dancers between the ages of seven and 15 are going on the trip to Disney and they’ll all be performing,” said Sophia.

“The majority are from Fleur-de-lis,” said Sophia, adding that it was the “way it worked out” – despite being open to all three branches.

Participation in this group is a sign of dedication, according to Sophia, who added: “They’re showing their commitment to dancing.”

Dance students who wish to pursue a career in dance are in safe hands as Sophia trained with the Royal Academy of Dance in London and is also a Royal Academy of Dance examiner – travelling to far-off places such as Brazil and Hong Kong.

“I have been examining the world,” she said, “I’m one of only two Royal Academy of Dance examiners in south Wales.”

While the trips are being paid for by the dancers themselves, additional funds are required to fund items such as kits.

“We’ve been doing fundraising already for our trip,” said Sophia, including a performance at Caerphilly’s Little Cheese.

The school is looking for sponsorship from local businesses, which will then have their logo displayed on the kits.

The first goal of £1,100 which will pay for kits has “nearly” been achieved – but there are hopes that more can be raised.

“We want to add to that,” said Sophia, “costumes and props will be our second goal.”

According to Sophia, the opportunity has been a chance for the children to see what hard work can do.

“The children are working super hard. It’s good for them on so many levels.”

Rehearsals are set to start next Saturday when the theme – which is currently a tight-lipped secret – will be revealed.

Speaking of the chance to perform on a bigger, international stage, Sophia said: “This is going to be a much bigger audience of people.

“What a wonderful opportunity it is for them.”