by Rebecca Hannant
Withernsea dance troupe Studio Victoriana is seeking donations towards a 30th anniversary trip to Disneyland Paris.
Since 1996, the group has offered dance classes for children aged six and above. Now, ahead of their milestone anniversary next year, the troupe is fundraising for a celebratory trip to Disneyland, with the hope of performing in one of its iconic theatres.
The troupe trains regularly in all aspects of performing arts, including singing, dancing and acting. They also take part in festivals, competitions and exams, as well as staging shows three times a year and supporting local events whenever possible.
Organiser Vicki Wilkinson said: “I teach all aspects of performing arts and we enter festivals and competitions all around the country, and take examinations in singing, dancing and acting. We do our little shows three times a year and support and perform at lots of local events if we can. The children aren’t obliged to do any of these things – they can just come, have a good time and make friends.
“Sometimes it takes some children a while to build up their confidence before they want to perform in front of anyone, and that’s fine – they all move at their own pace. Everyone joins in during class, no one is left out, any age or ability. Some perform solos and duets and often reach the finals in a competition we do in London.”
Several members have gone on to win competitions around the country.
Vicki added: “My daughter, for one, has performed since she could shuffle on her bum. She’s won competitions in London every year and is the only student ever to achieve ‘all-round performer’ in all age categories – baby, junior, intermediate, senior and most recently advanced. So it can lead to big things if it’s what they want to do.
“Even my adults – some of whom are mums and grandmas – performed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool with a number from Sister Act. I perform with them on the odd occasion. I’ll be in Disney too – I used to work there professionally myself.
“I used to have my own premises but due to the high costs of insurance, I had to sell the venue. Now we hold classes at the Jack Gledhill Centre almost every Sunday.”
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the troupe is hoping to travel to Disneyland Paris in August 2026 and perform a 20-minute set in one of the park’s theatres. To help make this happen, the group is fundraising for travel costs and appealing for donations.
Vicki said: “The families are paying for their own accommodation and park passes, but we’re trying to raise funds to cover travel. We’ve just had a quote from a coach company – two coaches will be £11,000, and we still need to pay for the ferry crossing, drivers’ meals and accommodation. So it’s definitely going to be around £15,000 to £16,000 at the least.
“We’ve raised £1,500 so far through small fundraisers, but it’s taken nearly a year to get that much, so now it’s time to get our thinking caps on and plan some bigger events.”
Anyone wishing to get in touch or donate gifts can email [email protected] or visit the group at the Jack Gledhill Centre in Queen Street from 3pm to 6.30pm on Sundays. Donations are gratefully received.
To find out more or donate online, visit facebook.com/share/12LsPwQeufa.