Young dancers from Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon have taken centre stage nationally after being crowned the best Key Stage 3 dance group in the country at this year’s Great Big Dance Off UK finals.
The 40-strong troupe, made up entirely of Year 7 to Year 9 pupils, travelled to the national event after clinching the South West regional title back in March. Their latest performance – a powerful routine themed around identity, teamwork, and the freedom of self-expression – earned them top marks and the highest praise from judges.
Not only did they walk away as UK champions in their age category, but they also secured 4th place across all key stages, beating competitors up to the age of 18.
The group have been putting in the hours behind the scenes, spending the past three months honing the routine during breaks, after school, and in their own time.
Head of Dance at Lawn Manor Academy, Natasha Dixon, was quick to praise the students’ commitment. “This win is proof that you don’t need expensive training or weekend lessons to be the best. Most of our dancers don’t have any formal training outside of school – they’ve got to where they are through sheer determination and teamwork,” she said.
The performance was choreographed by Dixon herself, with creative input from the students – a team effort that has not gone unnoticed.
Looking ahead, the academy’s ambitions stretch far beyond the UK. “Next up is New York,” Dixon added. “We’re heading to the international stage this summer, and many of these same dancers will represent the school and the country. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities – and they’ve absolutely earned them.”
For more information about Lawn Manor Academy, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
