A fire engineering consultancy from Takeley has become one of the key sponsors of a dance group ahead of their appearance at the 2023 Dance World Cup.

The team at Marshall Fire is sponsoring Forte Dance and Performing Arts Studios, who are competing in the World Cup at the end of the month.

The sponsorship deal sees the company's logo appear on the dance group's uniforms, and forms part of the group's fundraising efforts to help cover the costs involved in entering the competition.

Kelly Marshall, of Marshall Fire, said: "The daughters of very close friends of ours attend the FORTE dance school and are part of the England Team.

"We have seen them hone their expertise and develop into well rounded exceptional young ladies.  

"The dance school gives so much back to the local community. FORTE fosters an inclusive environment, ethos and culture that is visible in the actions of everyone involved."

The Dance World Cup, which was first held in Germany in 2004, takes place in Braga, Portugal from Friday, June 30 to Saturday, July 8.

A group of 20 dancers from FORTE will represent England, competing across the junior and senior sections. There are 65 countries competing from around the world.

Joanne Ellis from FORTE Dance & Performing Arts Studio said: "Marshall Fire generously agreed to become one of our sponsors, and this was gratefully received by us and all of the dancers.

READ MORE

"It goes a long way towards helping us reach our target of £15,000 (currently at £12,500) to make this journey possible."

In addition to Marshall Fire's sponsorship, the dance school has held a series of fundraising events in recent weeks, in preparation for the start of the finals.

Kelly added: "We truly wish all the girls that have qualified the very best, an amazing experience and achievement for all involved."

FORTE Dance and Performing Arts Studio has created a fundraising page for anyone who wishes to help the group achieve its goal.

They aim to raise £5,000 in total, and have currently raised just over £1,000.

To donate to the dancers go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/forte-dance-world-cup-2023.