Dance team soars to spook-tacular success

ADANCE team proved they weren’t afraid of anything when they won a competition with their Ghostbusters themed routine.

‘Hazard’, the competitive team from Sylk Dance Academy, based in a studio on Union Street, were thrilled to claim first prize at the Soar UK North Dance Competition.

The team have been competing for around four years, though this was only their second competition with a group of new recruits who joined the academy in September.

Amy Mayers, academy manager, said: “I could not be more proud of my dancers and their commitment to the dance school, along with the parents who are incredibly supportive of what we do.

“We wanted to be original and stand out from the other teams and this certainly worked.”

The victory came after the team received a second place prize for the same routine in a different competition.

Amy praised her team’s hard work in perfecting the routine to take top spot in November.

The academy’s members also excelled in the solo competitions, with dancer Emily Davenport coming first in her category from a field of around 30 others.

Scarlet Harrison claimed two third place prizes, one for a solo routine and another for a duet with fellow Sylk member Eimear Grimshaw.

It was also a special 13th birthday for Isabella Harrison, who came fourth in a challenging u14s category that she competed in for the first time.

Though, according to Amy, Isabella’s personal highlight was competing against, and beating, Coronation Street’s Alex Bain who plays Simon Barlow.

Even the academy’s teachers got in on the act, with instructor Rickki Price winning first place in a breakdance battle.

Amy hopes that the academy can build on its success and it seems it is already working.

She said: “The children have really bonded after their success and are even more driven to keep succeeding now.

“We have recently moved to our own studios and are currently developing a new routine for up and coming competitions.

“Overall the Sylk dancers have achieved above and beyond for a dance school from a small town.”

If anyone is interested in joining or taking part in lessons or fitness at Sylk, contact Amy Mayers on 07976 845042.

The whole group with academy manager Amy Mayers

Sylk Dance Academy dancers Isabella Harrison, Jasmine Wrenn, Katie Norbury, Emily Davenport, Olivia Wild, Lucy Ballantyne, Scarlet Harrison, Leah Grundy, Eimear Grimshaw and Kalum Heathcot celebrate their success

Emily Davenport celebrates her individual success with two of the judges

Eimear Grimshaw and Scarlet Harrison won third place with a duet