A Falmouth dance company comprised of talented young dancers from the community has been invited to represent Cornwall at the Dance Excellence Convention in Los Angeles next April.

Over the course of six days, the Scruffy Mutt Dance company will take part in master classes run by industry professionals, showcasing and sharing their work alongside other handpicked international dancers.

Choreographer and Company Director Jade Fiori said: “The invitation to attend Dance Excellence came totally out of the blue, I kept receiving a phone call from an American number and just thought it was some sort of scam.

“When I finally did answer, the organiser told me that they had been following our company on social media for over two years and that they would love us to come and present our work in L.A.

“I think I’m still in shock.”

The trip would be an opportunity to be recognised by talent scouts, especially as the group would perform at Disney Land L.A. as part of their trip.

Jade added: “This could definitely be a life changing experience for our company girls.

“But all that aside, we are touched and honoured to be asked to represent Cornwall internationally.

“We believe that this invitation is a real validation of all the amazing talent we have here in Falmouth and the surrounding areas.

“We are also excited by the opportunity to bring any skills learned back home where we can offer free workshops for the community.

“The following year, we would love to invite some of the companies we will be meeting to come over to Falmouth, staging our own celebration of dance for everyone to enjoy.”

The invitation to the convention means that the group must start fundraising to get the money necessary to get to L.A.

According to Jade: “The reality is that we are a community-based dance company who only established at the end of 2016.

“While we have already made some fantastic achievements, like being crowned European Grand Champions in Disney Land Paris last year, we have managed to do everything on a shoestring budget-we don’t even have our own studio.

“Performing in LA really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our dancers, some of whom have never been abroad.”

The company are seeking sponsorships from local businesses to help make the groups dreams come true.

Any help would be appreciated by the group and for more information Scruffy Mutt can be contacted through Facebook.