DANCERS from North Hampshire Academy of Dance (NHAD), previously Kelly Hopkins Theatre Arts, have successfully reached the finals of the All-England Dance Competition.

They have been competing this week at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London.

The biannual All-England Dance Competition, founded in July 1923, is the only one of its kind in the world and is a competitive festival of theatre dance for amateurs, children, and students of theatre arts.

A total of 23 students from NHAD between the ages of nine and 18, including three quartets and two groups, will be taking part.

Six dancers – Amélie Cohen, 9, Rosie Barnard, 10, Natasha Cracknell, 11, Isabella Davis, 12, Imogen May, 13 and Jessica Price, 15 – are performing solos.

Samantha Hall, 11, and Lauren Emery, 13, will compete with their Greek duet.

All of the NHAD students achieved qualifying marks at various heats around the country.

Principal Kelly Hopkins said: “The level of dance shown at every competition is of an extremely high standard and the girls are very excited.

“I’m incredibly proud of all of our students’ achievements and we’re very much looking forward to watch them all dance.”