'Incredible response' as dance group's show raises £11k

Rotherham Dance Centre Studio 1 held the show at East Dene Social Club on Doncaster Road which saw 26 “brave” participants take part in the show to raise money for a cause close to the hearts of members of the centre.

Debbie Corker, principal of Rotherham Dance Centre – based at The Store Room on Fitzwilliam Road in Eastwood – said: “We are so proud of these amazing and brave ladies put on a Full Monty style show to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“We have had more than one of our teachers pass away from cancer over the years and a very dear friend who passed away from breast cancer so we wanted to do something together to raise money as well as awareness.

“The response to this sell out event was absolutely incredible – 270 people turned up to support us and we raised over £11,000 for this very worthy charity close to all our hearts.

“People turned up from all walks of life – everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer either a relative or a colleague or a friend.

“It was held at East Dene Club and a lot of other small or local businesses supported us, too, by donating raffle prizes and we had a drag queen act join us too so it was very much a community event.

“This was the third charity event we have done like this – we do them every other year and are so grateful to everyone for getting involved and supporting us.”

The dance centre offers a broad range of subjects to students aged from three to 60 of all abilities, all taught by fully qualified and DBS checked teachers.

In the last two years the students at RDC have performed three sold-out shows at Rotherham Civic Theatre, took part in a dance weekend with other schools from around the country at Butlins in Skegness and were also involved with the Children’s Capital of Culture and Rotherham Pride events, among other events, workshops and activities.