Leigh-on-sea World Champions join Waddle-on-Sea to support hospice care

June 18, 2025

A dance school based in Leigh-on-Sea, who were crowned World Champions at the Dance World Cup in 2024, have joined local schools by adopting a baby penguin sculpture as part of Waddle-on-Sea.

Expressions Theatre Arts, founded in 2010 by Emma Felton and Bex Hood, is a vibrant dance and theatre school based in Leigh-on-sea. Known for their inclusive training and high-energy performances across a wide range of styles and age groups, the school reached the pinnacle of success last year by winning gold on the world stage.

The small penguin sculptures are part of the Waddle-on-Sea Community & Learning Programme, sponsored by Rickard Luckin, and are integral to the success of the art trail.

Now, the group have channelled their creativity into a new and meaningful project, supporting their local community, after being inspired to take part in the Waddle-on-Sea art trail for Havens Hospices. Their involvement is especially personal, as several families within the Expressions community, including dance school co-owner Bex, have experienced the care provided by the hospice.

Alice, Bex's sister, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 at just 32, and when she was told there was nothing else the hospital could do, she came to Fair Havens for care at the end of her life.

Explaining what the care meant to the family, Denise, Bex and Alice's mum, explains "Our lasting memory of Fair Havens is of a place where nothing was ever too much trouble, where no request was ever seen as too complex or time-consuming. They know this is where loved ones will spend their final moments together, and they are determined to make those moments as precious and special as they can possibly be".

"Without Alice, everything is different. You never move on, but you move forward, and we are just so grateful Fair Havens was there for us all".

The dance school are taking part in Waddle-on-Sea to raise money for the charity, so that the hospice can be there for more families just like theirs. Expressions' penguin turned up at their dance studio on London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, during the midst of their annual show preparation and was an instant hit with students.

After many hours of painting, the penguin is now under wraps until the trail launches on 11th July, but a sneak 'beak'; of the design shows it features Expressions'; signature uniform and carries the spirit and love of Alice, to whom their sculpture is dedicated.

Bex Hood, School Co-principal, says, "Some of our students have been involved in Havens Hospices'; art trails before with their schools, so we are thrilled we have been able to have our very own penguin this time. Expressions is more than just a dance school; it's a real community. We would like to say a huge thank you to the parents of our students who have thrown themselves straight into fundraising. We have had bake sales and quiz nights and raised over £1,000 for Havens Hospices already. Taking part in Waddle-on-Sea is our way of giving back to a cause that has supported so many people in our community".

The award-winning dance school is currently welcoming students to join. Classes range from ISTD ballet to musical theatre and commercial. To find out more or enrol, please visit their website https://www.expressionstheatrearts.com/ or contact info@expressionstheatrearts.co.uk

The free, family-friendly art trail is set to launch on Friday, 11th July. It will feature over 30 super-sized penguin sculptures, along with smaller penguins created by schools and community groups, such as Expressions, transforming Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea into an outdoor art gallery. Find out more and stay up to date with Waddle-on-Sea by visiting www.waddleonsea.co.uk or by following us on social media; @waddleonsea on Facebook, Instagram, and X.