THIS week, Launceston saw hundreds of dancers flock to the town to be a part of the 2023 North Cornwall Dance Festival.

The event, hosted at St Joseph’s School, welcomed amateur dancers from across the country to display their talents across four days of competitions.

Hundreds of performers between the ages of two and 19 took to the stage to compete in a variety of disciplines, including ballet, street, modern, tap, contemporary, lyrical modern and song and dance.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Particularly strong this year were the boys who entered. Edmund Boulton-Roberts from the South West School of Dance won Outstanding Performance in the Intermediate age category award. And Isaac Baron from local dance school, Nicky Brice Ballet Schools left the adjudicator speechless after his choreography solo, which she said was brilliant and suggested he may be the next Matthew Bourne!”

Other trophy winners from the competition are: Amelie Bish, from Little Wings Dance School, Outstanding performance in the baby age category; Amelie Murray, from The Dance Shed, Outstanding performance in the Junior age category; Aoife Chong, from Ballare School of Performing Arts, Outstanding performance in the Senior age category; Seren Davis, from Ballare School of Performing Arts, Most Promising Performer.

A spokesperson continued: “Everyone who performed was presented with a special ‘Well Done’ medal as we believe it’s important to celebrate just getting on stage in front of a room full of people and an adjudicator.

“Adjudicator Jacquie Brunjes, Chair of All England Dance and wife of ENO Chair Harry Brunjes, gave each competitor individual feedback on their performances, before presenting the medals for each section. In each section Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded to the highest scoring dancers.

“It was a really successful event with performers from all over Cornwall, Devon and as far as London travelling to celebrate, encourage and empower young dancers. Next year’s festival promises to be a big one as the festival will be an All England Dance regional qualifier.

“With thanks to St Joseph’s School, Launceston for sponsoring and hosting the event.”