Founder and Creative Director Miguel Doforo along with seven Company Dancers will spend two days at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix performing as part of the Yas Marina Circuit entertainment package for this year’s spectacular event. MD successfully won the job after pitching to per- form four shows per day. The Grand Prix is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar which includes stars Rhianna and Lionel Richie to perform at this year’s race.

The performers are all from diverse backgrounds and train for free as part of MD in the Com- munity Blank Canvas programme. Founder Miguel Doforo is passionate about using creativity as tool to inspire and engage.

Lauren Spencer walked through the doors of MD Productions in 2001 at the age of 6. She has performed at every show and was part of the semifinalist team three times on ITV hit show Britain’s Got Talent. Lauren is a true inspiration to many at MD. At the age of 15 Lauren was shot whilst walking home from Dance. With the help of MD Productions, she re-gained confidence and reached out to many young people using dance a way of expressing. Sharing her story through dance and campaigning for change. 16 years later Lauren is Personal Assistant to Miguel Doforo, Dance teacher and is also studying Performing Arts HND with MD Productions in partnership with Knowlsey Community College.

The rest of the performing team include 23-year-old Zoe Gerrard, who started at MD during outreach classes in Rainford 10 years ago. Zoe teaches Dance for MD Production at Rainford High School for and is Tour Manager for MD Productions girl band ‘Girl Talk’.

Leah Aldridge 25-year-old dancer, joined MD two years ago during ‘Emotions’. Leah has since gained full time employment and is studying HND Performing Arts in Partnership with Knowlsey Community College.
22-year-old Tony Winder has been with MD for 10 years, Tony studied Performing Arts at Knowsley Community College and is now in her third year of University studying Dance.

Single mums Jamie-Leigh Fairclough and Abbie O’Rourke are both full time Performing Arts students at Knowsley Community College and train for free as part of the partnership with MD Productions.

At the age of 38 Miguel will perform alongside his team promoting that dance is for anyone, anywhere, any age. The team fly out to Abu Dhabi on 25th November 2016 and take to the stage for a performance of a life time.

Miguel Doforo, Director of MD Productions, said: “I feel so lucky to have had opportunity to find and nurture young talent within our community and improve their lives through creativity. It will be such a huge honor to perform at the Grand Prix to and to an audience of this size. What makes me smile is seeing the excitement, drive and determination of my team. Anything is possible and taking seven people from the city region to be part of this amazing sporting event, real- ly just proves this.

As Miguel Doforo is preparing for Abu Dhabi he is also launching a new campaign ‘Blank Canvas’ in January 2017. His mission is to find 200 businesses to support 200 people Any- one, Anywhere, Any Age to train for free at MD. MD is looking for businesses to be part of something innovative, help remove barriers and be inspiring to other. For more information, contact Project Manager Lisa Gibson on lisa@mdproductionsltd.com

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