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The families of three young girls who tragically lost their lives during a dance workshop in Southport last July have found solace in their time spent together, sharing their grief and memories. Over the past nine months, a small group of BBC Breakfast journalists has been documenting their journey, culminating in a forthcoming BBC One documentary. This film offers an intimate portrayal of the parents’ experiences as they mourn and honour their daughters through meaningful projects established in their names.
The girls—Elsie, aged seven, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six—were all attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class when the fatal tragedy occurred. Before this event, the families did not know each other, yet since the loss, they have formed a close-knit group. Lauren King, Bebe’s mother, explains that their connection has been “crucial to our survival” and describes it as “a blessing.” The mothers have found comfort in celebrating their daughters’ shared passions for dance and performing, with Alexandra Aguiar, Alice’s mom, saying, “I feel more close to Alice when I’m with them. I feel more connected to the girls.” Jenni Stancombe, Elsie’s mother, recalls a touching moment when Alexandra reassured her that Alice would be “like a real mother figure” looking after Elsie and Bebe, wherever they may be.
In the documentary, the intimacy of home videos reveals moments of laughter and joy from the girls. Elsie’s lighthearted wisdom shines as she notes, “You don’t need to buy a smile, you just bring up your face.” Her father, David Stancombe, reflects on her fierce determination, citing her focus on mastering cartwheels. Alice’s lively spirit comes through in footage where she addresses the camera, “Hello, it’s me!” Her father highlights her unique way of moving through the world: “Alice did not walk anywhere, she danced.” Bebe’s vibrant personality is equally memorable; an affectionate clip shows her playfully wearing an oversized hat and backpack. Ben King, her father, describes her as “totally selfless,” a child who “lit up every room she entered.” The families also recall the anticipation the girls had for the dance workshop, with Bebe’s mother explaining it was a surprise booking made after spotting the class advertisement. Both Alice and Elsie shared an enthusiasm for the themed songs and activities, making their loss all the more poignant.
Meeting one another after the tragedy brought shared pain but also mutual support. The Stancombes reflect on how deeply they felt the grief of the Aguiar and King families when they first connected. “When I first met them, I felt their pain for them. It hurts us [to know],” Mrs Stancombe says, her husband adding the emotional weight of understanding what others are going through. Mrs King observes that although the families would have preferred never to meet under such circumstances, the newfound bonds have been invaluable. The three families now rely on each other, recognizing that despite their differences, “we are very special to each other,” as Mrs Aguiar puts it. To honour their daughters’ memories, the parents have created charitable initiatives: Alice’s WonderDance supports young performers with resources; Elsie’s Story provides grants to local youth; and Bebe’s Hive offers a creative space aiding grieving children. Ben King describes their gatherings as moments of protection, and his wife sums up their experience, “We’ve got each other through, we’ve gained family.”
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