Fifty-one members of Ballymena Dance Academy are set to travel to Dublin in July to compete in the Dance World Cup, after securing sponsorship from a local hospitality group and a coach firm.

The competition, which runs from 8 to 18 July at Dublin's Convention Centre, will attract more than 11,000 young performers from 50 countries. Ballymena Dance Academy qualified earlier this year and will enter eight groups in disciplines including lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro, showstopper and jazz. Dancers range in age from seven to 22.

Galgorm Collection and Logans Executive Travel have jointly provided funding for transport and competition costs. Lynsey Gordon, chief operating officer at Galgorm Collection, said the company was proud to support a local academy that has built a strong reputation and that qualifying for the event was no small feat.

Kara McCartney, owner and choreographer of the academy, said the support had been vital. Since qualifying in January, dancers have been refining their routines. She noted that for many it will be their first international competition, offering valuable experience and the chance to perform before world-class judges.

The Dance World Cup is regarded as one of the largest international dance events for young people. Participants from the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, India and China are among those expected to attend.