Meet the talented young South Shields dancing champ who is freestyling her way to success

Ivy Nelson, 7, was crowned the double Disco Kid Legend winner at the prestigious freestyle dance competition in Blackpool this weekend.

The annual Dancelines Disco Kid King and Queen (DKKQ) contest saw youngsters take to the floor in the famous Blackpool Tower ballroom on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.

Ivy, who lives in Marsden and attends Melanie Moore’s Dance Academy in South Shields, scooped the top title on both days, impressing the judges with her slow and solo routines, in a triumph which is almost unheard of in the freestyle world.

“It’s a massive achievement, it’s very rare to go there and win the double Disco Kid.

“You can’t get any better in freestyle. We were not expecting it at all,” said Ivy’s mum, Helen Bell.

“And to see her dance in the ballroom at Blackpool Tower was just amazing. I can’t even tell you how proud of her I am.”

The Sea View primary school pupil, who has been dancing for two and a half years, now trains five days a week, as well as competing across the UK every weekend.

“She has worked all year for this and we have travelled the country competing to get to this stage, this is why we do it,” continued Helen.

“Ivy said her legs were shaking on the day and she had a funny stomach, which must have been the nerves.

“In freestyle dance it’s so tough to work your way to the top, you have got to be dedicated. She works so hard but she loves every bit of it.”

Ivy won a five-star trip to London for her efforts in the competition and she will have a few weeks to enjoy her success before beginning training again in the new year.

Helen added: “All the mums and other children at her school are so proud and supportive, and Ivy adores Mel and everyone at the dance academy, who work so hard as a team and show her so much love and support.”