Jacob and Heathcliff with their trophiesA group of Dansworks Dance Academy pupils became the first to represent the Rossendale-based academy in competitions and festivals over the last two weeks.

First up were Jacob Ainsworth age 8 and Heathcliff Howard age 7 when they competed as a Duo at the Lancashire Street Dance Championships, the pair put in an outstanding performance to finish in 2nd place in the under 10 years of Age First Timers section. The event was organised by Street Dance International and took place at The Longfield Suite in Prestwich, Manchester.

Ella Lord age 6 in her costume for the Junior Novice Tap section at the Whitfield festival

Charlie Morris (age 9) with her medal for second place in the song and dance section at The Whitfield Festival

Tap, Ballet and Musical Theatre Performers from Dansworks Dance Academy were also in action competing in their very first festival. The Whitfield Festival took place in Swinton and saw the young dancers putting their best feet forward to impress the festival adjudicator. Emily Biel age 8 impressed with a high mark of 80 and just missed out on a placing in the Junior Novice Ballet while Charlie Morris age 9 managed an excellent 2nd place in the Junior Novice Song and Dance section. Ella Lord had her 6th Birthday just three days before the festival and therefore found herself performing at her first ever festival as the youngest competitor in a tough Junior Novice Tap section for Age 6 – 9 years, Ella showed a great deal of promise for future festivals as she wowed the audience with her routine and scored 77 marks, just missing out on a placing.

Sam Hughes age 5 was the youngest of the dancers from Dansworks to compete when he competed alongside Emma Kenyon age 6 in the Junior Tap Duet Section for Ages 6 – 9 Years, Sam and Emma managed a very creditable joint 4th place in the section.

Dansworks Principal, Karen Scott was full of praise for all those who competed and commented that she was so proud of them.