Dancers from an Isle of Man dance school have helped make Guinness World Records history after performing alongside international DJ Sigala in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
A total of 43 performers from Unity Dance School joined 1,123 dancers from across the UK, Ireland and the island for Bullmania 2.0 at Bradford Bulls’ Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Friday, March 20.
The event saw the dancers set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest number of backing dancers performing alongside a singer.
Pro-Excel, Bradford Bulls RLFC, Sigala and vocalist Shanice Steele were also recognised for the record-breaking performance.
The show took place before Bradford Bulls faced Huddersfield Giants in a Betfred Super League fixture, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The event also featured live music and fireworks.
For Unity Dance School, it offered performers a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to represent the Isle of Man on a national stage alongside an internationally recognised artist.
The dancers, ranging from young children to adults aged 28, represented 43 schools and organisations and completed a year-long rehearsal programme led by Pro-Excel’s professional teaching team.
Unity principal Linzi Brown said she was ‘incredibly proud’ of the dancers and the opportunity they had received.
She said: ‘To travel from the Isle of Man, perform in front of more than 10,000 people and be involved in an officially recognised Guinness World Records achievement is an experience they will never forget.’
Linzi added that the experience showed how hard work and dedication could create opportunities beyond the dance studio.
‘I could not be prouder of every dancer who took part and of the memories they have made together.’
Unity Dance School also thanked the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, local primary and secondary schools, and the Isle of Man Arts Council for supporting the dancers’ journey to Bradford and helping arrange their absence from school.