Prize dancing girls are full of good cheer at win
CHEERLEADERS really have something to shout about after they took first place in only their second ever competition.
The Infinity team, from Sylk Dance Academy, on Union Street, Macclesfield, claimed top honours at the Incredibly Cool Event, in Stoke-on-Trent.
The group had formed shortly before lockdown and a second place finish at their debut competition left them hungry to try again.
Despite the pandemic the youngsters - now aged nine to 15 - kept training and reaped the rewards at their first outing since.
Amy Mayers, who runs the academy, said: “They were so excited to come second, then everything shut down.
“Over lockdown we did video sessions but that’s not the most exciting for cheerleaders as you can’t lift people up, it was conditioning and strength work.
“At the competition they were amazing, it was a really proud moment. I think they would have been excited no matter where they had finished.”
The 250 members of Sylk Dance Academy have all been making up for lost time.
A team of 50 competed against hundreds from all over the country at the Soar Weekender contemporary and street dance event in Manchester.
Abby-Lee Miller from TV show Dance Moms was among the judges and Sylk came back with 11 trophies.
Students have also held their first dance showcase since the pandemic in front of an audience of 400 at the
House.
And some took part in a street dance workshop with Afro Pierre, who has starred in the TV programme The Greatest Dancer.
“Students have had routines ready but not really been able to do anything with them as everything got stopped,” said Amy.
“So it’s been quite frustrating, but now they absolutely buzzing.
“It’s great to compete and just be able to go to events.”
The academy is planning to expand its premises over the summer holidays to be ready in time for September.
Amy hopes this will mean more classes to increase the number of students and extra space for existing ones to tackle more challenging routines.
To find out more contact info@sylkdanceacademy.com.
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