Swindon’s own 15-year-old dance prodigy, Amelia, has recently made headlines by helping England clinch the gold medal at the Dance World Cup, often dubbed the ‘Olympics’ of the dance world.
Amelia, who trains with The Kirsty Farrow Dance Academy in Swindon, joined Team England in the highly competitive event held in Prague. The competition saw dancers from 65 countries vying for top honours, with England emerging victorious in the overall standings.
During the Dance World Cup, Amelia showcased her talents in two distinct performances. She danced a traditional Turkish routine and also featured prominently in a musical theatre ensemble, performing a piece from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in which she took on the role of Mr Salt.
The event also provided Amelia with a unique opportunity to interact with some of the dance world’s most esteemed figures. She participated in a Q&A session with renowned dance instructor Abby Lee Miller and joined a choreography class led by award-winning choreographer Dane Bates.
Reflecting on her experience, Amelia said, “It was an incredible honour to be part of the Dance World Cup in Prague, especially in such a significant role as Mr Salt. We prepared intensively for weeks, and spending two weeks in Prague competing was an amazing experience. Meeting Abby Lee Miller and Dane Bates was truly inspiring.”
Following her success at the Dance World Cup, Amelia excelled further by taking her Grade Five exam in Musical Theatre, achieving an impressive score of 90 out of 100. She also competed in the All England Dance Grand Finals in Wolverhampton, where her tap group ‘Iron’ secured a commendable second place.
Amelia, a student at Lawn Manor Academy, has been dancing since she was four years old. She noted, “The All England Dance Grand Finals were incredibly challenging due to the high level of competition. Dance is a powerful way for me to express and understand my emotions. It’s especially helpful at school, where Miss Dixon encourages me to use dance to manage how I’m feeling.”
Natasha Dixon, Head of Dance at Lawn Manor Academy, praised Amelia’s achievements: “Amelia’s dancing is exceptional, and we are incredibly proud of her international accomplishments. The experiences she had at the Dance World Cup with Abby Lee Miller and Dane Bates are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. We look forward to hearing all about her adventures when she returns to school in September.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. For more information, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
