Most successful year ever for dance school

At the London finals of the contest, organised by the British Arts Association, they came away with two of the top awards, for Show of the Year and Teacher of the Year.

In total, JMDS students achieved 16 first places, including group dances, in categories ranging from ballet to drama. Ayla Clare, aged 13, from Pitstone, became Intermediate Medallist All Rounder and nine-year-old Lottie Casserley, from Boxmoor, took third place in the Junior Medallist All Rounder category.

Daisy Bishop, aged 18, from Hemel, who recently won a place at a leading performing arts college, was awarded the Lillian Rowley Training Grant for dance training.

JMDS principal Jayne Wilson said: “The hard work of our teachers and students was fully rewarded at this year’s finals with some outstanding results based on marvellous performances. I am so proud of everyone who went on stage.

“I was honoured to receive the Teacher of the Year trophy which is really a tribute to the quality and commitment of all my teachers and the standards they have achieved with our 200 students.”

It is the third time that Jayne has received the Teacher of the Year trophy .