Teen star’s flawless foot work scoops dance titles
A TEENAGE ballroom dancing sensation has waltzed off with a national award for the second year running.
Emily Sowter, 14, from Edgeley, came top in the junior section of the national ballroom and Latin competition run by the International Dance Teachers Association.
She was up against youngsters aged up to 17 but still triumphed after winning the under 13s category last year.
Having won the regional heats Emily, a Stockport Academy pupil, performed with her partner at Blackpool’s famous Winter Gardens venue.
Dad Paul, 52, said: “We are not sure if she is the first person to win two years running in different age groups but even if she isn’t it is still a fantastic achievement.
“Emily is normally outgoing and laid back but before a dance competition she goes very quiet and nervous.
“As a parent watching is very stressful, you need oxygen as it is very tense. We are unbelievably proud.”
Emily became interested in dancing at the age of nine as her two older sisters performed.She also has two brothers.
She lives with Paul and her mum Lynn, 53, on Cheadle Old Road. Her partner for the event was Mark Garrity but she was judged by herself against other girls aged up to 17.
Emily hopes to take a GCSE in dance and also attends the Damien Hey Dance Academy, in Bramhall.
Paul added: “She wants to keep on improving and aspires to do it professionally. Her teacher Damien Hey for me is the best, he has the ability to make his pupils want to do something but make them think it was their idea.”