A YOUNG dance group from Darwen has overcome the odds to clinch a performance at Disneyland Paris.
The group of dancers, all aged six to 16, originally auditioned for the opportunity as an 18 member group.
However, over the past couple of months, multiple dancers have dropped out following the terror attacks in France.
This left just 10 dancers in the group, nine girls and one boy, who had to re-do routines after qualifying for the opportunity and find other venues to practice in.
Seven-year-old Lyla Sultana is one of the dancers who will appear in a Disney parade next month with the Phoenix Dance Academy as well as a showcase and competition.
Her Dad, Brian Sultana, said he was incredibly proud of their fighting spirit after so many problems.
He said: "It was about 18 months ago that Lyla and the others made a video to send off to Disney and qualified for this competition.
"Since then they have faced multiple issues and it's meant that they've had to re-do routines and find venues to practice in.
"I'm really proud of what they have achieved especially in these past few weeks, they've had to do a lot of their practice on their own and they are only young.
"I've always told Lyla she's a great dancer and she needs to stick at it and this is a good sign that she will.
"It's a huge stage for them to perform on and they've put a lot of hard work into fundraising to go."
The group has been practicing in churches, The Old Function Room and at St Edwards RC Primary School.
Some of the routines they will perform have been choreographed by professionals Tim Noble and Carrie Ellis.
Mr Sultana said: "They are a very talented group of kids who have overcome huge odds for this once in a lifetime opportunity and they've worked harder than ever."
The mayor of Darwen Brian Taylor said he wished the group every success.
"Any group that comes from Darwen and helps spread the name of the town far and wide is to be welcomed.
"The Disney parade is in the premier league so I'm really pleased and proud of them.
"I wish them every success without a doubt."
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