Freemasons help pay for NU Dance trip to Wembley. From left David Fuller, Jim Askew, David Campbell and Gordon Finch with dance teacher Rachel Jackson
Young dancers from South Tyneside were able to take part in a once in a lifetime performance thanks to the fundraising efforts of their parents and local Freemasons.
Fourteen students from Nu Dance – which is based in Ada Street, South Shields, – were chosen to showcase their talents ahead of the Saracens v Harlequins Premiership rugby match at Wembley.
Members of NU Dance celebrate their Wembley trip.
The event saw the youngsters, aged from eight to 12, take to the pitch ahead of the game.
Around 71,000 people in the stadium saw the young girls as they performed alongside other dancers chosen from across the country.
It was an event dance teacher Rachel Jackson said they will remember forever.
The cost of the trip was funded by parents and a donation from the Freemasons.
It was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to say they have taken part in something like this. It’s something they’ll remember forever.
Rachel Jackson
Miss Jackson said: “It was a really big tournament in front of 71,000 people. Louisa Johnson was performing and the girls were also allowed to stay and watch the game.
“The whole event was really good and it was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to say they have taken part in something like this. It’s something they’ll remember forever.
“When we were told they’d been chosen, they were really excited and they began to fundraise to help cover the costs of the travel and accommodation.
“We were also really lucky to have help from the Freemasons.”
Dancers perform in Wembley
A donation of £250 was made from the Freemasons after mason Gordon Finch was approached by a relative of one of the dancers.
He said: “We were approached to see if the Freemason’s would be able to help in any way.
“We went to a few lodges and we were able to raise some money for them.
“We were pleased to have been able to help out.”
The school offers a range of classes in tap, modern, ballet, cheerleading, disco and theatre.
For more information visit Nu Dance Performance and Fitness on Facebook or call 07739 318412