Dance troupe fights for survival

Collettes Dance Troupe pictured with an impressive collection of trophies, including the European Gold Cup

Rising costs threaten club in its 50th year
An award-winning dance troupe in its 50th year may be forced to close due to mounting costs.

Collette’s Dance Troupe, based in Hollinwood, caters for 80 dancers aged 1 to 37.

But the price of material for costumes, room hire, coach hire and transport costs are proving too expensive for the club run by volunteers.

Lindsey Melia, who has trained dancers aged two to seven for 20 years, has made a desperate plea for help.

She said: “Buses and coaches cost a lot of money so the only ones we can afford are old and only last 12 months — they keep breaking down.

“My mum, Anne, who runs the group, makes all the costumes for free but she still needs £5,000 for all the material and £80 per week for the room hire, not to mention the coach fee.

“We do charge children a sub but some parents have four children with us so £5 per child is a lot of money to ask for.”

The group has done many fund-raising events including bag-packing at a supermarket and fun days but they still aren’t getting the money needed to carry on.

Lindsey said: “We really need some help, even small donations — we don’t want to have to close. If anyone can help us towards tracksuits or costumes, room hire or anything it would be very much appreciated.

“Really the Government should provide some funding as we are keeping children off the streets.”

Sarah Ashton, a troupe member, said: “We are independently funded and in desperate need of financial assistance so if anyone is willing to sponsor us, that would be brilliant.”

The group was turned down for a Lottery grant and receives no funding from Oldham Council.

In 2004 the troupe won the European Gold Cup and in 2008 the senior team became all-England champions.

Anne Melia’s parents, who formed the troupe, named it after Collette, a critically-ill young dancer at the time.

Anne took over when her parents died and is helped by her son Gary, who provides music.

Sessions run 5.45-9.30pm on Tuesdays and 1-6pm on Sundays at Beulah Baptist Church.

If anyone can provide the group with a bigger, cheaper rehearsal room or would like to sponsor them, they can contact Lindsey Melia on 0161-683 5450.