A TALENTED tap dancer has received a top award for being quick on her feet in a national dancing competition.

Abigail Elmes, aged 12, was awarded the prestigious title of junior runner up in the country’s largest tap dancing competition.

Abigail, of Bradfield, is a student from The Company Performing Arts, which is based in Oxford Road, Clacton.

To win her award she had to come out top in the Imperial Society of Teachers and Dancing Star Tap Challenge in the grand finals which was held at the Hawth Theatre, in Crawley.

After qualifying in the morning heat Abigail became one of only ten out of 60 participants who qualified to the prestigious finals, held in front of a panel of dance examiners and industry experts.

At the finals she had to take part in two classes and perform a choreographed dance, which was only taught on the day.

She had been coached for the awards by artistic director and The Company principal Aaron Lissimore against tough competition from students from across the UK and Europe. Abigail, said this was the first time she has competed in the awards.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

She said: “The tap challenge 2017 was an amazing day and a fantastic experience as a young dancer.

“I started off feeling nervous but once I had met the teachers, I felt at ease, as they were so lovely.

Mr Lissimore said: “The standard of dance on display at the competition was simply jaw-dropping, these young dancers are becoming more and more advanced in their artistry and technical skill level.”

He added: “It was such an amazing achievement for Abigail and her passion and hard work has so rightfully been rewarded. She performed to her absolute best and filled me with pride”

Abigail will go on to perform a tap solo in the Company’s annual production, this year entitled Fable held at the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton on 20, 21 and 22 July 2017.

Tickets can be purchased from westcliffclacton.co.uk.