Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Taylor in a spin for Strictly Kids
ANDREW BARGH
A Chapelhall dancer is preparing to perform in front of hundreds at a prestigious Strictly Kids ballroom event.
Taylor Lawrie, 10, successfully auditioned for the showcase event which will be held at Glasgow’s Double Tree Hilton on December 1.
Taylor, niece of Coatbridge songwriter – and former X Factor star – Ryan Lawrie, will take to the stage with partner Zak after they were paired together following the audition process.
She now has a month of learning Latin and ballroom styles before competing against the other 19 couples.
Proud mum Samantha said: “Taylor is over the moon to have been picked.
“She’s been a dancer for five years and watches Strictly on TV so it’s a big deal for her.
“She can’t wait to get her dress on and be up on the stage.
“She’s not feeling nervous at all and will take it all in her stride.
“There’s an extensive training schedule before the event so she’ll need to stop dancing around the house so often to get a bit of a rest!”
The event is in aid of STV’s kids’ appeal which aims to raise money in aid of children living in poverty.
All competitors are encouraged to collect funds for it before the competition night.
Samantha continued: “It’s good for the kids to get to do some fundraising as well.
“Taylor is going to do a dance-a-thon at school and probably do a bake sale too.
“Ryan is going to participate in a 10k and it’s great of him to get involved.
“Taylor loves him to bits and really looks up to him.”
Strictly Kids coach Tracy Donald reckons Taylor will do brilliantly come December.
She said: “Taylor is a very good dancer and sparkles on the floor.
“She loves dancing and that clearly comes across in her energy.
“I’m looking forward to seeing her and Zak develop as a pairing and I’m sure they’ll do well.”