Romi Clarke Dance: A Journey to the World Stage

About Romi Clarke Dance

Established six years ago, Romi Clarke Dance School (RCD) emerged to provide a vibrant space in Lochgelly, Fife for young dancers to learn and create artistic expression through the medium of dance.  

Founded by Romi Clarke, the school's mission was to create a nurturing environment where children and young people could discover and develop their passion for dance. With over 110 students participating in weekly classes, RCD has quickly become an integral part of the local community, fostering talent and building confidence in young dancers.

In December 2023, a group of dedicated parent volunteers formed the RCD Fundraising Group. Their primary goal was to support the dancers and the school by sourcing funding for activities beyond the regular curriculum, such as competitions. This initiative aimed to ensure that all children, regardless of their financial circumstances, could participate in enriching dance experiences.

The auditions

The Fife dance world was taken by storm when nine RCD dancers auditioned for Team Scotland at the prestigious Dance World Cup, which was set to take place in Prague in June 2024 (five of the nine dancers were from Cardenden).  Despite fierce competition from over 900 dance entries submitted by various schools across the country, RCD's talented performers secured their spots on the national team – an extraordinary achievement for the school's first-ever attempt.

While this success was cause for celebration, it also presented significant financial challenges. The costs associated with participating in an international competition of this calibre were substantial, including team Scotland tracksuits, entry fees, travel, and accommodation. The total expense for sending nine dancers to Prague was estimated at £10,640 – a daunting figure for many families.

The need for financial support became evident, and the RCD Fundraising Group recognised that without assistance, some dancers might miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to personal financial constraints.

Fundraising for success

The RCD Fundraising Group sprang into action as soon as the dancers were selected for Team Scotland. They devised a comprehensive strategy to raise funds through various means:

• Local fundraising events, including raffles and sponsored runs
• Seeking donations from local businesses
• Individual sponsorships, with each dancer successfully raising £200 from local enterprises
• Applying for grants from community organisations

The group's primary objective was to cover as much of the costs as possible, thereby reducing the financial burden on the dancers' families. They aimed to ensure that all nine selected dancers could participate in the Dance World Cup, regardless of their economic background.

Westfield (Cardenden) Funding  

The Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund (Cardenden) can support community projects benefiting residents of the Cardenden Community Council area. This charitable fund is provided by Westfield Wind Farm Limited (WWFL) the owner and operators of the Westfield Wind Farm in Fife. WWFL is a subsidiary of Nadara and also provides funds to the neighbouring communities of Kinglassie and Benarty. 

The fund is overseen by a panel of residents and community councillors. The panel helps to promote the fund locally and advises on grant awards. Panel members bring a range of experience and knowledge to ensure the fund is spent in line with the fund priorities and in a way that meets local need. 

The Panel considered the overall project costs and the proportion of representatives from Cardenden who would benefit from receiving this award.  It also considered if the project would align with the fund objectives and identified that the project would align with the priorities by:

• Enhancing the quality of life for local residents: By providing young dancers with a unique opportunity for personal and artistic growth.
• Contributing to vibrant, healthy, successful, and sustainable communities: Through promoting dance as a positive activity for youth and fostering community pride.
• Promoting community spirit and encouraging community activity: The fundraising efforts united the community in support of their young talents.
• Following careful review and decision-making process it agreed to award £2,000 to contribute towards the overall project and support with entry fees and tracksuits for the event.  

Impact of the Project and Experience for the Young People

The impact of this project extended far beyond the dance studio. For the nine young dancers, aged between nine and twelve, the opportunity to represent Scotland on the world stage was transformative. It boosted their confidence, instilled a sense of national pride, and provided invaluable exposure to international competition.

The experience of preparing for and participating in the Dance World Cup offered these young performers:

• Enhanced dance skills through rigorous training
• Improved teamwork and camaraderie
• Cultural exchange opportunities with dancers from around the world
• A broader perspective on the global dance community
• Increased self-esteem and personal growth

Moreover, the project's impact rippled through the entire dance school and the local community of Cardenden. It raised the profile of RCD, inspiring other students to strive for excellence and potentially attracting new dancers to the school.  

The success story also put Cardenden and Lochgelly on the map, showcasing the talent nurtured in these often-overlooked areas.

Representing Scotland: A Difference-Maker for the Dance Troupe and Cardenden

For the RCD dance troupe, the opportunity to represent Scotland at the Dance World Cup was nothing short of transformative. It elevated their aspirations, pushing them to reach new dance heights. The experience of wearing the national colours and performing on an international stage instilled a deep sense of pride and responsibility in these young dancers.

For the community of Cardenden, having local talent represent Scotland on the world stage was a source of immense pride. It challenged preconceptions about the area, highlighting the exceptional abilities nurtured within the community. The success of RCD served as an inspiration, not only to other dancers in the school but to young people throughout Cardenden and surrounding areas, demonstrating that with dedication and support anything is possible.

Furthermore, the project had the potential to spark a lasting legacy. By paving the way for future participation in international competitions, RCD hoped to inspire other dance schools in Fife to audition for such events. This could lead to a broader recognition of the talent present in the region and potentially attract more opportunities and resources for the arts in Cardenden and beyond.

The journey of Romi Clarke Dance to the Dance World Cup in Prague was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the power of community support, the dedication of young artists, and the transformative impact of providing opportunities to youth in underserved areas. Through their performances on the world stage, these young dancers not only represented Scotland but also became ambassadors for their community, showcasing the vibrant talent and spirit of Cardenden to the world.

Daniellie Tullis, Fundraiser for RCD said: 

“With the hard work and dedication from Romi and the dancers, what was a dream of representing their country became a reality. This was also achieved thanks to the funding we received, and RCD Fundraising Group would like to thank Foundation Scotland for their generous support.  It truly has been an incredible opportunity for the girls involved and memories that will last a lifetime.”