Talented South Shields teen Josie wins dancing '˜Oscar'

Josie Harbertson has recently won the Le Classique de Danse Awards 2016 under- 18 theatre Award.

The 15-year-old from Ashley Road, South Shields, travelled to Southport to pick up the accolade – which she had been nominated for due to her consistent success in competitions around the country.

However, Josie, who lives with parents Paul and Karen Harbertson was unable to perform at the ceremony because she had dislocated her knee in February while training.

The last six weeks have seen the teenager visiting a knee specialist and building her strength back up.

Paul said: “We’re extremely proud of Josie. For her to be recognised and nominated for this award is in itself a big achievement. When Josie was called out as the winner, we were thrilled.

“It’s like the dancing worlds’s version of the Oscars. You get nominated if you’ve performed well throughout the year and then the winner is revealed.

“Josie was due to perform during the awards night, but sadly due to her knee injury she couldn’t.

“While practicing a backward walkover six weeks earlier her knee had popped out and ended up round the side – she was in a lot of pain.

“It’s meant she hasn’t been able to train and she’s been climbing the walls, but she’s just started back up again and so far it’s going well, there’s been no pains.

“And she’s been told she can perform next year at the Le Classique de Danse Awards, whether she’s nominated or not.”

Josie has been a member of Lumsdale Theatre Arts School in South Shields, since she was two and a half. Last week, the dedicated St Wilfrid’s RC College competed in the Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association Championships, which were held at the Customs House in South Shields.

There she won the modern, plus the song and dance sections and came second in tap dancing competition. Josie also scooped the title of best vocal singer.

Josie is now looking forward to performing in the Lumsdale Theatre Arts Showcase at Brinkburn Community Centre, in South Shields, on May 15 and 21.`

In July, she’s off to the Laine Summer School in Epsom – which she hopes to attend full time once she leaves school.

To book a ticket for the showcase, call 0191 456 8075.