Builth Wells dance-a-thon raises over £750 for LATCH Children’s Cancer Charity.

Young dancers of Latch, along with the community of Builth Wells and surrounding areas came together on November 24 in spectacular style for a dance-a-thon at Jubilee Hall in Llanelwedd. 

The event saw young dancers aged three to 11 take centre stage to raise funds for LATCH: Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity - and what an incredible success it was!

So far, the dance-a-thon has raised over £750, with more sponsorship money still coming in.

The overwhelming generosity of friends, family, and supporters has left Jemma Thomas, of Latch Dance, truly inspired.

“I’m completely overwhelmed by the support we’ve received,” Jemma said.

“The young dancers put so much effort into this event, and seeing their friends and family rally around to sponsor their efforts has been incredibly moving.

“It’s a testament to the strength of this community and how much they value the power of our youngest members. We promised we would use dance to make a difference and I really feel like we’ve achieved that.”

The young dancers didn’t just take part—they designed, curated, and delivered the entire event. 

Each of Latch Dance’s three groups prepared an hour of activities, including the three to four-year-old group led dance games they’d invented with props and bubbles, the five to seven-year-old group taught their own choreographed routine and demonstrated a sequence they’ve been learning for everyone there and the eight to 11-year-old group performed their own short dances as well as teaching routines to the crowd.

The day ended on a high note with a vibrant disco, where attendees of all ages and abilities joined in the fun.

Tea, coffee, and homemade cakes fuelled the excitement, while the dancers’ artwork and photos from the term were displayed around the hall. 

An army of parents and friends rallied round to support the event, without them it would have been impossible to run!

Many of the dancers also worked toward earning their Blue Peter Sport Badge as part of this event. Over 20 of Latch’s young dancers are set to receive this accolade in the new year, making the day an even greater achievement.

“We chose LATCH not only because we share the same name but because of the life-changing work they do,” Jemma explained.

“Over the past year, the charity has supported a member of our Builth community through her diagnosis and recovery.

“Her own fundraising efforts for LATCH inspired us deeply; her kindness and creativity in raising money sealed the deal for us to do the same. Having Kathryn and her mum, Jayne, at the event was incredible—it truly felt like we were all coming together to make good.”

Though the event is over, there’s still time to support the cause. With the incredible momentum built by the dance-a-thon, Latch Dance looks forward to more community-centered initiatives that combine creativity, movement, and making a difference, get used to seeing hearing #DanceToMakeADifference

For more information, please get in touch with Latch Dance via email hello@latchdance.org /latchdance.org.