Dance academy appeals for fundraising to compete in America

A dance academy from Stalybridge is throwing itself into the Halloween spirit by transforming its headquarters into a spooktacular exhibition.

Thanks to a £500 donation from Action Together, Academy HQ, the home of the Tycoons Allstars, based on Grosvenor Street in Stalybridge, will host an action packed day with stall holders, face painting and fun activities from 10am-4pm.

Dubbed Scarefest, the event is being held to lift the spirits of the local community and to raise awareness of the activities based in Academy HQ.

Classes throughout the week range from cheerleading and dance, to thai-chi and fem-chi.

What’s more, there are plans in the pipeline to convert one of the rooms into a counselling area for all ages.

It’s hoped that the event, which will include treats, drinks and games, along with wellbeing taster sessions, will attract a good mix of males and females across the age spectrum.

Vanessa Murphy (pictured), an experienced dance coach who takes charge of the Tycoons Allstars, believes the event will showcase what the facility offers throughout the week.

Speaking to Reporter Sport, Vanessa, whose team is currently fundraising to compete in America in April 2023, said: “A few months ago we approached Action Together and put forward a fundraising proposal together. We wanted to give back to the community, specially as everyone is struggling financially at the moment. So, we decided to put a free halloween festival on. We’ve got loads going on, and we’ll also be promotion our new, special educational needs classes.

“I think some people think Academy HQ is just the home of Tcyoons Allstars, when that’s not actually the case. We have multiple classes going on during the day. Academy HQ is a wellness centre and hub for the local community. It provides as many different classes for as many different age groups of people.”

The Tycoons Allstars have been forced to overcome numerous challenges in recent years.

In 2016, a fire to their previous home, based on mill in Stalybridge, was burnt to the ground.

Homeless and without direction, they pondered what the future held.

But thankfully, and to their credit, the Allstars bounced back and have since been enjoying life in their new home. 

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Allstars have a lot to look forward to - mainly, a trip to Disneyworld to showcase their skills at a prestigious event.

Commenting on the Allstars’ resiliance and the obligation to give back to the community, Vanessa said:  “We’ve had so many setback and knock backs, including the fire to our old facility and then Covid-19, that we had to sit down and think about what we wanted to do moving forward. We had two options; we could throw in the towel or make the most out of a bad situation.

“We know that our community is suffering at the moment, so we questioned how we, as a collective group, could help young and old people, both mentally and physically.

“Ultimately, we wanted to build a safe space, not just for our dancers but the community at large.”

Looking ahead to 2023, Vanessa said she can’t  wait to compete in Florida in just under six months’ time. “Two of our hip-hop teams are fundraising to compete in America at USASF Dance Championships at Disneyworld, Florida, which will mark our fifth year competing. We’re going for a top three finish, although gold is what we’re really striving for.”