Young dancers put their best foot forward to bring home medals to Romford from world championships up against 62 countries.
Pupils as young as 11 from Romford’s Tip Toe Stage School represented the UK in this year’s Dance World Cup held in Spain.
The line-up included 11-year-olds Reed Cooke and Poppie Morris, along with William Faria who is 13, Mollie Griffin, 14, and Lillie-Ella Morris aged 15.
They won two solo silver medals, a solo bronze and one duet bronze between them, with fourth and 10th places in other categories.
“What an achievement!” a proud Tip Toe co-principal Elena Carter-Watts said.
“They represented the country and we couldn’t be more pleased for them.”
But there is no rest for the youngsters treading the boards.
It is straight back into rehearsals for the school’s 40th anniversary show which is being staged at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre next May — alongside all their school exams, more dance competitions, festivals and even filming.
Vice principal Lauren Cooked said: “We told our stars that the most important thing was to have fun and enjoy every moment. That underpins everything we do.
“But we’re blown away by their hard work and commitment.”
Tip Toe runs classes in all genres by qualified and DBS-checked professionals, for all ages and all abilities, at Marshalls Park Academy in Pettits Lane and at South Ockendon Village Hall.
The school first opened in September 1986 with just three students. It gradually expanded by word-of-mouth reputation with opportunities today to perform in the West End, Disneyland Paris — and even on Broadway.
Many of its early students from the 1980s are still involved as teachers or as parents of youngsters enrolled in classes.
Tip Toe has a wide curriculum in performing arts, taking in acting and singing as well as dance.
Classes during term time at Marshalls Park are every Tuesday from 4.30pm for four years old up to 14, teaching tap, ballet, acro and street.
Parents interested can book a free taster lesson in as many or as few classes as their children want to join. Details are on the tiptoestageschool.com website.
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