A DIRECTOR of a hip hop and contemporary dance company is appealing for donations to enable his students to take part in the world-renowned International Choreographer’s Showcase.

Brendon Hansford, of Alter Ego Dance Studio in WGC, is thrilled his pupils have been invited to participate in the event in Canada next month.

However, Mr Hansford – who has been tutoring adults, teenagers and children in dance since opening his company in 2005 – is worried his group may not be able to afford the �10,000 in flights and accommodation.

He told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “We have been very privileged to receive an invite to such a great event, helping Alter Ego raise the level of dance in Hertfordshire.

“With the event being held in October, we really don’t have much time to raise funds, so we are calling upon members of the public and local companies to help us raise money to attend the groundbreaking International Choreographer’s Showcase hosted by Culture Shock.”

Students at Alter Ego, which has a studio in Knightsfield, as well as schools across Hertfordshire, were selected for the showcase by Lenon Peachlum (an original founder of Culture Shock) after he saw them compete in a dance competition.

If enough money is raised, 10 dancers – who perform hip hop, street dance, body popping, locking, break dance, house dance, contemporary, jazz, and pole dance – and Mr Hansford will go on the trip to Ottawa from October 21 until 25.

Mr Hansford, 27, added: “Members from Alter Ego’s youth and adult companies are training hard to blow Canada away with vibrant displays of choreography, popping, locking and breaking.

“If we don’t raise the money for the cost of flights and accommodation we will not be able to go.

“We would appreciate any contributions to get them [the dance students] to Canada’s pioneering event.”

To make a contribution to the trip, call Alter Ego Dance Studio on 01707 322382.

Alternatively email info@ae-dance.com