South Shields dance students praised as they bring home medal haul

Pupils from Nu Dance Performance and Fitness, based in Ada Street, Westoe, wowed judges when they competed in the NCDTA Easter Festival and Championships and the MJ Festival and Hartlepool Championships.

Taking their place alongside a number of competitors from schools from across the region, the talents of a number of students trained by Rachel Jackson caught the eye of adjudicators.

At the MJ Festival in Middlesbrough, Ellie Adams won the Junior Supreme Championship for the second year running with her Modern solo, while Jemma Nelson, six, was placed fourth in the tap solo section.

At the same festival Sara Al-Attar was placed fourth in the Senior Supreme Championship with her lyrical solo. She also went on to be placed second in the TDCI Leeds City Junior Tap Championships out of 43 competitors.

Meanwhile, at the Easter Festival championships, Jemma brought home the third place trophy in the song and dance section and was placed six out of 61 competitors aged between six and nine in the NCDTA Juvenile Championship Final.

Molly Gibson, 11, was placed fifth in the NCDTA Championship out of 52 competitors aged between 10 and 13 years old.

Dance teacher Rachel Jackson said: “All of the 20 members of the Competitive Team received various 1st, 2nd and 3rd places across the festivals. We also received various highest mark trophies and students were recalled to various semi-finals at the Championships.

“I am very proud of all of my students and the outstanding achievements from the girls already achieved are just the icing on the cake.”

Nu Dance runs classes in tap, modern, jazz, ballet, disco freestyle, ballet, gymnastics and musical theatre. For information call Rachel on 07739318412.