A ONCE-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a dance school to go to Miami is hoping to take place if they can get the funds.

Sixth form dance students from Bourne End Academy have been invited to perform at the Hard Rock Stadium alongside the Miami Dolphins cheerleading squad in America.

The local school has been training hard for two years for this opportunity but it costs up to £1,500 for each dancer to go.

Dance teacher George Sanders said: "This opportunity would be an incredible experience for our dancers, many of whom have not travelled outside the UK let alone to the USA.

"However, due to financial circumstances we need to raise between £1,000- £1,500 per dancer. The cost would cover flights, accommodation, team kit and travel whilst in Miami. We will be travelling towards the end of November and we are trying to fundraise the rest to ensure that money is no barrier for anyone."

The dance group said dancing has helped improve their mental health which has been vital during the Covid-19 pandemic.

George added: "Personally having the opportunity to go to such a big place like the Miami stadium to perform will drastically improve my confidence, as I’ve never been put in the position to step outside my comfort zone this much and showcase what I can do!

"We hope you can contribute to our fundraising mission and thank you in advance for the consideration!"

The fundraising page has £570 at the time this article was published, hoping to reach a target of £3,000.

The page said: "As a dance group we have work hard over 7 years, working on events and projects, and dance has allowed us to improve our mental health over the past two years.

"As one of the Bourne End Academy dancers who has been lucky enough to be given the chance to perform on the other side of the world doing what I love most, it feels impossible to say no!

"Despite the expense, we feel that every student deserves the chance to go regardless of their financial background especially because of the disruptive past two years which has greatly effected the dance department.Personally having the opportunity to go to such a big place like the Miami stadium to perform will drastically improve my confidence, as I’ve never been put in the position to step outside my comfort zone this much and showcase what I can do.

"We hope you can contribute to our fundraising mission and thank you in advance for the consideration!"

Visit https://gofund.me/8478512c to donate.