Streets Ahead

Teenager Sophie Jackson plans to set the Costa Blanca on fire next month with her charity show ‘A Night on the Street’ – and help bring Christmas to 120 youngsters. The Laude Lady Elizabeth School sixth former aims to raise enough money to buy every child cared for at EMAUs homes across the region a Christmas present.

Sophie has organised a dance extravaganza at Calpe’s Casa de Cultura on December 15th, featuring her own Streetdance troupe and both contemporary dance and ballet.

Blessed with a memorable voice, the 16-year-old first started raising money for charity Friends of the Children of EMAUS two years ago with her singing – she has just won through to the final of Benidorm Has Talent on Sunday – and her dance group.

And now she has taken up the challenge of organising a night to remember. “I wanted to do something different and exciting with our dancing and, at the same time, raise some serious money for the EMAUS children.

EXPLODE

“I wanted to bring all different styles of dance and produce something really explosive. Street and break dancing are so current and exciting – and by inviting other dance styles such as ballet and contemporary dance to take part with us, we can appeal to people of all ages.”

Sophie added: “We have called the show A Night on the Street because we are hoping to recreate the diversity of street entertainment.”

Dancers from the Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Jose Espadero in Alicante will perform contemporary dance and Theatre Express’ Kim Ferrulo has choreographed an “amazing” ballet routine to complete a fusion of different styles.

Also appearing is guitarist Daniel Whybrow, a youngster establishing a firm reputation as a musician with his “electrifying” solos, and classical duo Pasion Doble, veterans of concert halls across Europe.

“The whole point of the show is to buy Christmas presents for youngsters living in EMAUS homes, they are children who have had to be taken into care because of problems within their own families,” said Sophie.

CLOTHES

“These children often arrive at an EMAUS home in just the clothes they are standing up in. The charity tries to help this children know there are people who really do care.

“We hope everyone will come and support us – we promise it will be a show to remember!”

The show starts at 20.00 on Tuesday December 15th at the Casa de Cultura, Calpe. Tickets are 10€ for adults and 8€ for children aged between four and 12. Tickets are available from Quicksave in Javea and Moraira; Humpty Dumpty, Javea Park; N Gage, Javea Port; and by calling 600 548 326. For further information visit www.cbstreetdance.com

PICTURED are 18-year-old Estafania Ash Coulter (left) with Sophie after winning the Lady Elizabeth School’s competition to design the artwork for the show’s posters, flyers and programme. The second and third prize winners will have their pictures in the programme and there will be an exhibition of entries at the theatre on December 15th.