5th January 2020

On Sunday 5th January, seven Ryde Academy students competed at the Southern Dance Class Awards in Brighton. Southern Dance is an annual 1 day event that aims to create a friendly dance environment in which young performers can showcase their core technique and talents.

The students competed in the contemporary, lyrical and commercial heats.

This was the third time that Oliver Brunton, age 14, has competed at the awards. He exceeded his previous rank despite the competition being the toughest yet - 5th in contemporary, 3rd in lyrical and 3rd in commercial.

Chloe Neale, age 12, also improved on her performance since the last competition in the commercial category and she also received the ‘Performance Award’ trophy for her age division.

Niamh O’Rourke, age 14, and Lily Alexander, age 13, reached the finals of the contemporary and the commercial heats. Yvie Partridge and Millie Maddox, both 12 years old, gained placed in the finals of all 3 heats.

Mrs Seaton, Dance Teacher and Head of PE said: ‘We were astounded by the phenomenal talent showcased by some of the competitors, some of whom have represented England at the Dance World Cup in Portugal. I was delighted with the results from our students who performed like professionals and did the Academy proud’.