The dance students at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School of the Arts are just $2,000.00 shy of making the trip to New York next month.

The dance students will be the first middle school in the nation, second in the world (China was first) to be invited to compete in the finals in New York City of the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) Ballet Competition.

Orange Grove had 20 entries submitted in 4 categories. They beat out Blake. After placing in the top 12 in a regional competition, the ensembles travel to New York for the finals in the United States.

The two winning dances for Orange Grove were “Predator” and “Awake My Soul,” both choreographed by Orange Grove Dance Director, Shana Perkins.

Anyone wishing to donate to this cause may mail donations to the school, Orange Grove Dance Boosters, in care of the Dance Dept., 3415 N. 16th St., Tampa, FL 33605. Or, go to the website: http://orangegrove.mysdhc.org/teacher/3241perkins and click the donation button.

The students, teachers and chaperones will be in New York April 11-19, 2013.

Dr. Scott M. Rudes is principal of Orange Grove.