The performers from Associação de Dança de Lagos recently took part in the National Dance Championships, which was held in April in the Aveiro district. These children, whose ages range from 12 to 17, are made up mainly of Portuguese families but include Russian, Israeli, Ukrainian, Swiss, German and Moldavian children living in and around Lagos. The level of their commitment is evident from the fact that, of the 18 dances they entered, they came away with seven gold medals, as well as nine silver and two bronze in classical ballet and ethnic dance.
This huge achievement means that they have qualified for the World Championships, which will be held in Orlando in November. To be able to compete, they first have to get there and the costs of flights, accommodation and food for the duration are well beyond the means of a number of the gold medal winners. Indeed, some families will be hard-pushed to raise the cost of the passport alone, which is why they are asking for your support.
Are you able to contribute in any small way? Some suggestions include holding a coffee morning and charging €1 a cup. Collecting your small change at the end of the night. Or maybe charge €1 a head at your regular meeting group – say every time you attend your walking group, knitting group, card games, golf, choir, lunch group, or padel? You can also donate a raffle prize for a raffle later in the year. Or simply make a donation – the amount is up to you, as every cent will be used to help pay for those who cannot afford to fund this wonderful opportunity themselves.
ADL is hoping to have a fundraising concert later in the year, supported by local choirs and, of course, the dancers, but in the meantime, are you able to contribute in a small way to support their talents so that Lagos can proudly become the home of world champions? A representative of the club says, “They would love to experience a lifetime opportunity doing what they love the most, represent their countries and show the world about different cultures (ethnic dance) and take Lagos to a world level.”
elizabeth_roberts15@hotmail.com
Donations can be made directly into the Patricia Allen Fundo account at Credito Agricola:
IBAN/NIB: (PT50) 0045 7191 4018 8770 5586 1
BIC/SWIFT: CCCMPTPL
