A local dance school’s intermediate under 16 team finished third place at the UDO World Street Dance Championships 2024.
Kelly Williams School of Dance, which is based in Pembroke Dock, attended the world championships in Blackpool.
The competition was held from August 14 to August 18 and featured dance schools from over 40 countries.
Kelly said: “It is a dream come true. This was our ninth championships. We’ve placed once before but we never went past the preliminary stages. However, this year we finished second in the prelims and third place in the final.
“We have pushed for years and years. I’ve cried tears of joy all week long. The mood at the school is electric. No one could believe it. We have been celebrating non-stop. It’s unbelievable.
“We are like a family. Win or lose we stick together. Our ethos is based on positivity, confidence and grabbing every opportunity you can.”
The dance school also competed in categories such as Duo, Battle Dance, Quads and Juniors.
The following soloists made the finals at the world championships:
- Lexi Dooner - 2nd place u12 Intermediate
- Skyla Jone - 2nd place u12 Beginner
- Grace Glanville- 5th place u16 Beginner
- Imogen Scourfield- 5th place u18 Intermediate
Duo Lexi Dooner and Ollie Glanville finished third place in the u12 advanced competition whereas Kelci Francis came eighth in the Litefeet battles.
As for Quads, Kelci Francis, Imogen Scourfield, Grace Glanfield and Danny Rolls finished third place in the over 18 open.
Meanwhile, Lexi Dooner, Ollie Glanville, Megan Garrett and Olivia Roberts came fifth in the under 14 open.
The junior team finished twelfth, just missing out on the top 10 final.
Kelly continued: “As a coach & mother I am beyond proud of these hardworking dancers. They have represented our country, our school and themselves outstandingly.
"What they have achieved this week is something we've only ever dreamed of until now. This year was special and something that will stay with me forever.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors throughout this journey.”
She added on the dance school’s Facebook page: “Every single one of these dancers have danced impeccably on these big stages and whether they got through rounds or not, I couldn’t be happier with how they performed.”
For more information about Kelly Williams School of Dance or classes call 07880625360.
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