Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Strictly kids dance their way to the top
Hannah and Ryan wow judges to score a perfect 10 at charity event
A light-footed Airdrie youngster had the competition in a spin as she danced her way to a terrific triumph.
Hannah McMahon, 13, came out on top in her age category after earning a perfect score – and a standing ovation – at the prestigious Strictly Kids contest.
Hannah and dance partner Ryan McBride, also 13, wowed judges and the audience with their flawless take on the classic Charleston routine.
This was the second consecutive year that the talented pair had reached the competition’s final and Hannah’s delighted mum Donna said: “Hannah and Ryan were placed together last year and have done superbly well to reach two finals in a row.
“Their Charleston dance was wonderful and the judges gave them a perfect score, while they received a loud standing ovation.
“They won in their age category and both of them were absolutely thrilled.”
St Margaret’s High pupil Hannah and Ryan are members of the Pamela Logan School of Dance in Airdrie and Donna was fulsome in her praise for their “outstanding” teacher.
She said: “Hannah has been dancing with Pamela [Logan] since she was two-and-a-half years old – and has loved every second of it.
“Pamela coached Hannah and Ryan to their success and we can’t thank her enough for everything she has done.
“Hannah has worked really hard and we are so proud that she has made it through to the final twice, and now took home a top award.
“Hannah and Ryan were really excited to have been given this great opportunity and really shone with their final performance.
“They certainly are a talented and dynamic pair and we hope that their future is equally as bright.”
Strictly Kids, which was in aid of the STV appeal, saw hundreds of young hopefuls audition to secure a place in the final, held in the plush surroundings of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Glasgow.
Dynamic duo Hannah and Ryan raised funds for the STV appeal by being sponsored by family and friends.
They collected cash by holding“dance th on sat school, a cake and candy sale and prize raffles”.
The pair, along with the other children taking part in the event, helped raise more than £6800 for the appeal on the day of the final, which will go towards helping to support children across Scotland.
A spokesperson for the dance competition said: “Strictly Kids 2019 – you smashed it!️
“Every time we are blown away by the standards on show; thank you to all involved for another amazing day.”