Little cuties from Milton Keynes wow dance festival judges

The school entered dancers as young as four in the Associated Board of Dance (ABD) festival in the West Midlands.

They competed against dancers from different areas across the midlands in multiple music genres, including modern, ballet, tap, cabaret and acro.

Principal and owner of the Bletchley-based school Sadie Staten said: “The standard of dance at festival competition level is extremely high and our children are some of the youngest entering, so to win these medals and trophies is a massive accolade.

"We’ve had some incredible results and I’m just so proud of them all. Both the children and their parents dedicate a great deal of time and commitment to the school each week and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.

“It was lovely to see the girls dance so well and have such pride in their performances. Most of all, dancing is about really having fun with routines and seeing what we can

create together. This is a fabulous achievement for the school."

Eight-year-old, Amelia Klofverskjold, from Olney not only won 1st place with her ballet solo, beating 13 other girls in the group, she was also crowned the judge’s most promising Junior Dancer.

Amelia said: "The award means so much to me – I am so happy! I have danced with Miss Sadie since I was three years old.... I would love to be a ballerina when I grow up and this award helps me to carry on doing my best.”

With a total of five 1st places, FAB also took both 1st and 2nd places in the group Cabaret section, and four-year-old Elsie Evans, FAB’s youngest team member - achieved second place with her song and dance solo.

As the festival closed, FAB were presented with awards for achieving the highest overall marks in the Junior Group, Junior Duet and Primary Trios sections.

First Avenue Ballet offers ballet, tap, acro, modern, lyrical and song and dance classes for pre-school children aged three to–6 years.