Young dancer chosen for England team

The 11-year-old was one of only three selected for her category from across the country and will be dancing a national folklore solo in a competition that is the equivalent to the Olympics for the dance world.

Mum Sue Clarke said: “Quite an achievement for a girl who is only just 11. She is the only person I know of from West Sussex who will be going.

“To help fund her trip, she has undertaken a 24-hour sponsored silence and raised approximately £200.”

Phoebe has danced at Nicola Miles Theatre Studios in Worthing since she was two and attends the Vale School in Findon Valley.

Dance World Cup, the largest international competition in the world for dancers aged five to 25, is being held in Offenburg. The opening ceremony is on Friday and competitions across all dance types run from Saturday, June 24, to Saturday, July 1.

There are 4,200 dancers from 47 countries and each dance type and age category can select up to three dances to represent their country.

Phoebe will attend the opening ceremony and competes against 33 others from around the world in the age ten to 13 category during the morning of Tuesday, June 27.

Jo Arnett, UK team manager, said: “Phoebe successfully auditioned in the qualifier heat to take part in a national solo class.

“More than 1,000 dancers entered the qualifier hoping to get into the team. The competition to become part of Team England is fierce - so many dancers want to represent their country.

“Her Majesty the Queen sent a ‘good luck’ letter to the dancers, wishing them all the very best of luck in Germany.”

Team England has 730 dancers taking part competing in a variety of classes, including classical ballet, tap, modern, national, street and song and dance.