Young dancers take 10 firsts at national finals

YOUNG dancers from the Henley area achieved enormous success in a national stage performance competition.

Pupils of J G Dance, which has branches in Henley, Sonning Common and Marlow, won a record number of places in the finals of the British Arts Awards.

The youngsters, aged six to 18, faced competition from thousands of others from across Britain to gain places at the grand finals in London.

They achieved 10 first places, seven seconds and eight thirds in a range of styles, including ballet, tap, acrobatics, modern jazz, national dance, singing and drama.

J G Dance was runner-up in the leading school award.

Academy principal Ann Morelle said: “The standard was exceptionally high but we are delighted with the results. I am so very proud of all of those who took part.”

Pictured, back row, left to right, Ellie Openshaw, Ebony Grzbiela, Manon Green, Daniel James, Poppie McDonnell, Rosie Toolin, Abby Priestley, Katie Rust, Stephanie Maslin, Isabella Allnutt and Jessica Dippenaar.

Middle, Andrew Dearman, Millie McDonnell, Kala Green, Abigail Crew, Emily Harding, Isabelle Clover, Savanna Walwyn, Lucy Woolford and Kit Swaddling.

Front, Sophie Bagshaw, Abigail Sunkutu, Jessica Grouse, Bianca Burduja, Molly Ambrose, Cindy Wu and Isabella Maitland-Smith.