Owen following in gran’s quicksteps

Photo: Darren Robinson

Owen Moss and his grandma Jeanette Albert are award-winning dancers.

A TRADITION spanning four generations of a family is being kept alive by a seven-year-old boy.

Owen Moss, of Liskeard Avenue, Heyside, proved he has the knack for the family hobby of ballroom dancing, after being hailed sequence medalist of the year, at a competition in Wythenshawe.

He now goes forward to compete in a nationwide contest, held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

His dance partner — grandma Jeanette Albert (50), from Oldham — also won the old time and sequence medalist of the year competition in her age group, two weeks ago.

The pair practice together every week at Billington’s Dancing Academy in Oldham — where Dennis Massey, Owen’s coach, said he was a “natural”.

Talent runs in the family as Owen’s mum, Kristina (26) also dances ballroom and great-grandma Jean Holroyd (71) danced at Billington’s as a youngster with her late husband, Christopher.

Owen’s auntie Catherine and uncle Darren have also danced, as well as his six-year-old cousin Chloe. His parents already have high hopes for Owen’s 17-month-old sister, Natasha.

Blackshaw Lane Primary School pupil Owen, has been dancing since the age of four and has already won 12 trophies in regional competitions.

And while there are no plans yet to turn into a full-time Strictly star, Owen is certainly in the running to win lots more competitions.

Mr Massey said: “Owen’s been with us for four years and he does ballroom, Latin and sequence. He’s doing very well.”

Owen’s mum, Kristina, said: “We’re so proud of our son — he takes after his dad for his football skills and he definitely gets his natural dancing feet from his mum!

“He’s at rosette level at the moment but when he turns eight he’ll go into the medals level.

“We just want him to keep on dancing as long as he enjoys it. He’s fantastic for his age.”