Banbury’s World Champion dancers

Two youngsters from Banbury’s School For Stars have won gold medals in Portugal

Two Banbury youngsters have been crowned world champions at the World Dance Cup in Portugal.   Amelia Thompson, 10, and Chloe Sneddon, 9, won gold medals for Team England for their Mini Duet, called Game of Survival.

Amelia and Chloe are both members of Slay Official, the team dancers from Banbury’s School For Stars.   Twenty dancers from Banbury are in Braga, having been selected to represent their country in eight categories.

Tee Lilly is one of the school’s Head Dance Principals.   She said winning a gold medal was the icing on the cake for what had already been an incredible time for the Banbury dance school members.

Tee said: “We felt honoured to be in the top four in England when we found out we had qualified to be competing at the Dance World Cup for Team England.   When we won the gold medal we were just absolutely overwhelmed.”

Tee described the unforgettable moment her dancers were announced as World Champions.   She said: “The children all stood on stage… When we heard our ‘number 15’ called out as gold medalist, it was a feeling we just can’t describe. 

“They played the national anthem.   The girls were overwhelmed – they were crying. 

“When we came off stage to join their teammates it was such a lovely atmosphere and so lovely to see them supporting their friends.”

Slay Official have also added a silver medal to Team England’s total thanks to a performance by their mini tap troupe.  

The competition in Portugal will continue for the next few days.   Tee is very grateful for the support Slay Official are receiving.  

She said: “The support we’ve had online from different countries, from other schools in England, from people of the Banburyshire area, it’s just been so overwhelming. 

“To now say that we have two girls who are world champions is just such a proud teacher moment.”

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Published: 02/07/2023 11:19am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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