Ballroom blitzed

Members of two local dance schools have wiped the floor with the competition to become regional champions.

Competing in the International Dance Teachers Association cup at The Forum, Wythenshawe, the dancers, from Royton and Shaw, beat-off stiff competition to grab gold in the Latin and Ballroom heats.

Anna Hartley (12) a member of MADD! For Dance in Shaw beat 65 other finalists to become the under-12s Latin dance champion. The youngster and her partner, Natalie Downes, also came 3rd in the ballroom category.

Anna’s mum, Tracy, said: “Anna’s made up. She’s only been dancing for four years and I’m so proud of her.”

Also appearing were Vanessa Wong (13), winner in the under 16s girl/girl ballroom heat with Jessica Wright; Jenna Rogers (14), who won the under 16s girl/boy ballroom; Yazmin Hanley (12), winner in the under 12s girl/boy ballroom and Jack Gartsides (12), winner in the under 12s boy/girl ballroom and Latin, all of whom practise at Trujons Dance Centre, Royton.

All of the winners will now take to the dancing capital of the north, Blackpool, to participate in the nationwide finals next month.