Posted on June 19, 2024

Students land third place

Five Barnsley College students have won Bronze representing England at the International Dance Federation World Championship in Croatia.

The students represented Lauren McCaslin School of Theatre Dance, performing several different styles of dance in Croatia, including modern, jazz, musical, tap, street and acro. The students train 10 hours a week to perfect their fitness, strength, flexibility, agility and endurance.

Sport student Chloe Tingle; Photography student Ella Tingle; Public Services student Lucy Frudd; Barnsley Sixth Form College students Elisia McCaslin and Lucie Roberts, all represented the England Dance Team at the event.

The students also achieved a gold medal in troupe class and duet, followed by a bronze medal for street dance.

Elisia McCaslin, an A Level Biology, Criminology and Psychology student, said: “It felt amazing, I’m so proud of our school and the whole England team. My auntie owns the dance school and I have been dancing there my whole life, so this achievement is extra special.”

Lucie Roberts, an A Level Sociology, Psychology and Law student came third in her jazz funk duet, sixth in jazz funk solo and first in the musical category. She said: “I decided to get into dance age 11 after seeing how much my friends enjoyed it. It felt amazing to come third – everyone worked so hard, and it was so rewarding to see all our work pay off.”

The students were part of a team of 21 dancers. The students had access to the College’s Elite Sports Performance Bursary to fund aspects of their competition such as equipment and travel.

Chloe Tingle, a Level 3 Sport Science and Physiotherapy student, added: “It feels so amazing to come third, I’m proud of everyone and all the hard work we put in. We joined the England team after being scouted by an England judge at a competition. The College gave me £500 towards expenses of the trip, which helped a lot.”