STUDENTS at an Isle of Wight dance school have reached the final stages of a major dance competition.

Joel Morris, who runs a dance academy in Shanklin, couldn’t be prouder of his girls, who have qualified for the Dance World Cup finals in Braga, Portugal.

The event runs between June 30 and July 8, and Jasmine Willets, 16, Josie Flack, 17, Lottie Paine, 16, Erin Plimley, 16, Beth Morgan-Huws, 17, Ava Cowan, 15, Mia Mandale, 15, and Emily Martin, 15, have all qualified.

Joel is hoping to build on their success at the All-England Dance festival in High Wycombe last summer.

In that event, Maddie Morgan-Huws, 18, Abbie Sykes 18, Emily Martin, Lottie Pain, Josie Flack, Jasmine Willets and Beth Morgan-Huws all reached the finals.

Isle of Wight County Press: Joel Morris Dance Academy. Maddie Morgan-Huws, 18, Emily Martin, 15, Lottie Paine, 15, Josie Flack, 16, Jasmine Willets, 16, Beth Morgan-Huws, 16, and Abbie Sykes, 18.Joel Morris Dance Academy. Maddie Morgan-Huws, 18, Emily Martin, 15, Lottie Paine, 15, Josie Flack, 16, Jasmine Willets, 16, Beth Morgan-Huws, 16, and Abbie Sykes, 18. (Image: Joel Morris.)

“Many schools qualify, but that doesn’t mean you are through to perform in the finals,” said Joel.

“You must place first, second, third or fourth in the whole country.

“I choreographed this group especially for the Dance World Cup, and to challenge my senior dancers.

“It’s been busy. Many of these dancers performed in the finals of the All-England Dance festival last summer.

“We were the only Island school to go all the way through to the finals, where the standard of technique and artistry is incredible. 

“In April, my school is going to become an affiliate of The Royal Ballet School, adding to The Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus already taught.

“I’m very exciting for the future, and so proud of these dedicated girls."