A THRILLED dance school from Colchester has been chosen to represent Great Britain at an international competition in LA in 2026. 

Seven girls from Rebecca Luckham’s Dance Academy will embark on an exciting journey in April 2026, when they take part in the Dance Excellence festival. 

Rebecca, 21, started dancing at a young age and had the chance to be part of the festival in her youth. 

She said: “I started singing lessons when I was about eight or nine years old and started dancing around 11 or 12. 

“I went to the US for a competition and it was an incredible experience.

"We had a day out at Disneyland and classes with professional choreographers who worked on Broadway, the West End and even with Beyonce.” 

Rebecca started her the school in Alresford in November 2023 with lessons once a week and just six students.

She now has more than 50 children and lessons six days a week.

Knowing how much the experience has meant for her personal and professional growth, Rebecca decided to contact the festival to add her school to the list, from which the organisers choose the participants. 

“I sent in an email to have us added to the list, and a week later I got the confirmation that we’ll be going to LA,” Rebecca said. 

“It built up my knowledge of dance, but it also gave me a lot of confidence.” 

The news had the young dancers screaming, speechless and in tears of joy. 

Following the excitement, Rebecca has tried to find a way to support her young team and their parents. 

Rebecca LuckhamRebecca Luckham (Image: Rebecca Luckham)

She said: “It is such a big thing for so many of them. Some of my girls are of single parents and it feels great to have that opportunity that they might not have had. 

“Some girls have never been on a holiday so far away, so it is very exciting to be part of it with them.” 

Once in LA, the girls will enjoy a day at the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, where they will also have the chance to perform, as well as take part in classes. 

At the main event, the dancers will take part in competitions, with a glitzy gala at the end of the day. 

Rebecca has started a fundraiser to support parents funding the trip.