Talented young dancers shine on national stage

Rebecca Jarvis, principal teacher at Pure Dance Academy in Derker, with 14-17yrs Pairs Winners Courtney Burns and Macy Keylock.

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DANCE stars from Oldham took centre stage in Blackpool last month after scooping a host of awards a national contest.

About 40 competitors from Pure Dance Academy in Derker shimmied their way to victory at the nationwide finals of the International Dance Teachers Association contest at the Winter Gardens.

In categories including Rock and Roll, Solo, Pairs, Slow Dance and Teams, they came home with six national titles. Five dancers won national titles:

*U8 Rosette Solo Winner: Emmie Dickinson

*Up to 13yrs Pairs Winners: Frankie Hare and Molly Wells (second consecutive year),

*14-17yrs Rock n Roll Winners: Megan Scoltock and Luke Bamber (third consecutive year)

*14-17yrs Pairs Winners: Courtney Burns and Macy Keylock

*14-17yrs Solo Winner: Courtney Burns

Team category U9 winners: Razzle Dazzle.

U18 Runners-up: Illusion.

Rebecca Jarvis, principal teacher, said: "The children work hard all year round to compete at this competition, some categories having over 100 competitors, so just to reach the final is a massive achievement then to go on and win it is amazing."