The Elevation Performance Academy from Dagenham won a major award, securing them a performance opportunity in Las Vegas next year!
Kelly didn’t expect such success. Her goal was giving opportunities to east London kids. The academy is based at Eastbrook School on Dagenham Road. Three solo dancers competed for awards. The whole academy was also up for an award. People voted on social media, and EPA made it to the final round.
The final event happened in Grays at the Civic Hall on January 26. The soloists didn’t win their individual awards, making the students feel a little sad. The last award was the big one, and EPA won that main award.
The academy will perform at the Indigo at the O2 and in Las Vegas next year. Winners on stage got to push a button that would light up either red or gold. Gold meant an invite to perform in Las Vegas.
Kelly said the button was like a TV show. If the button turned gold, they won and got invited to perform in Vegas next year. They calmed down the kids after the win. Now, they must fundraise for the trip, as it’s a small dance school in Dagenham.
EPA’s kids range from three-year-olds to adults and they teach many dance styles. These include tap, ballet, and street dance. They offer contemporary and acrobatics, and they also teach singing and drama. Some kids dance five days each week, while other children come for baby ballet on Saturday mornings.
Kelly said the last year was a rollercoaster, as students and staff came and went. She added this win was exactly what they needed. Six years of hard work paid off. A title wasn’t the main goal, but the win feels very rewarding. The kids are all excited and already working hard again.
This award is a great start for 2025. EPA has many plans for this year, and the award gives everyone a boost.
