Worthing Dance School Picks Up 200 Medals At World Cup

Dancers at a school based in Worthing have picked up 200 medals between them, including eight golds.

Genesis Performing Arts competed against 54 countries and over 9,500 dancers at the Dance World Cup in Prague at the end of June, with Team England triumphing overall, with the help of Genesis Performing Arts, whose dancers added a substantial number of points to England’s tally, winning the highest dance schools medal count for England and across the entire competition.

The school’s dancers, ranging in age from 7 to 22, earned World Champion titles across all four age groups they competed in. They brought home a total of 200 medals, including eight golds.

Genesis Performing Arts was also honoured with selections for six Gala performances, opening both the Junior and Senior Galas with their group piece "Because."

Adding to their triumphs, the school clinched two coveted overall awards: Elijah Taylor (age 8) and Monroe Moore (age 7) won "Best Mini Duet," while Elijah Taylor also earned the title of "Most Outstanding Mini Boy." Lucas Dart also secured a ballet scholarship in Barcelona, and Angelina Struk was awarded a prestigious ‘Golden Envelope’ for her show dance.

Victoria Hampson, principal of the Genesis Performing Arts, beamed with pride, said:

"I am beyond proud of what this year’s team have achieved. When we auditioned back in 2023, we never imagined we would be qualifying with so many students across so many genres in the competition. It was a monumental undertaking, made possible by the incredible team of parents behind each dancer. The hours everyone has given to rehearsing is a true testament to the dancer’s dedication and passion.

“We have the most wonderful costume department who were instrumental in making the work look as amazing as it did and without the sponsorship from CaterGas Ltd we would not have been able to offer this opportunity to our team. I also must credit the outstanding faculty we have at Genesis Performing Arts, their attention to detail and creativity is truly unique to the school and I am very lucky to have them.

“The news that we are the highest medal yielding school in the world is what dreams are made of, it’s not quite sunk in! We are just two years into our life as a dance family at Genesis, if these amazing young people can achieve this in such a short space of time it really excites us for what else they can achieve in the future!”

Jo Arnett-Morrice, DWC UK Team Manager, said:

“Genesis Performing Arts has had outstanding success at the Dance World Cup 2024 showcasing incredible talent on the international stage. Their contribution to Team England has been nothing short of incredible – winning the highest medal count for England – a reflection upon the hard work and dedication of dancers, teachers and choreographers. Particular highlights include watching them perform in the Gold medal Galas to sold out audiences, performing with the best dancers from the world. Congratulations to them all from a very proud Team England Manager. Looking forward to seeing them in Spain for next year’s Dance World Cup 2025!”