Dancers wow the judges in heats

COURTNEY Burns (left) and Macy Keylock celebrate their success

TWO teenage dancers have enjoyed a string of competition successes - and one has also been accepted onto a world-class training course at the Lowry Theatre.

Courtney Burns, from Alt, and Macy Keylock, from Derker, are both members of Oldham's Pure Dance Academy.

Courtney (15) came first in five separate categories at the International Dance Teachers Association's regional heats at Wythenshawe in Manchester.

For some of the categories, she paired up with Macy (also 15) for the award-winning routines. The categories covered styles including slow, rock 'n' roll, freestyle, pairs and team dancing.

Courtney attends St Damian's High School while Macy is a pupil at Royton and Crompton School.

Courtney's mum Natalie Burns, of Clover Crescent, Alt, said: "I don't think anybody has had a clean-sweep of five categories at the regional heats. I'm really proud of Courtney and Macy. They've both worked really hard for this.

"Their dance teacher at Pure, Rebecca Jarvis, also deserves credit. She has given Courtney the confidence and courage to work hard and to compete in competitions."

Mrs Burns added: "Courtney began dancing when she was a young girl. I thought it would boost her confidence. She's worked with her tutor over the years and really developed."

Following the IDTA regional successes, Courtney will compete in the organisation's national finals at Blackpool's Winter Gardens in November.

In another success, Courtney has been offered a place on the Lowry Theatre's Centre for Advanced Training Scheme.

The part-time course provides higher-level training to youngsters and is funded by the Department of Education.

Organisers say it supports children with exceptional potential from all backgrounds to benefit from world-class dance training The Lowry course is open to 12 to 16-year-olds and entry t is through an audition process.

Courtney's mum added: "We went to an open day at the Lowry in May which was then followed by an audition this month. There were about 50 youngsters at the audition.

"We then got a call a few days ago saying Courtney had been accepted and the staff said they can't wait to work with her.

"Me and my husband, Ian, are so proud of Courtney. She's tried so hard and had to step well-out of her comfort zone for these events. It has all paid off for her. "