Anuna Matheson – a name to look out for on the dance circuit. Year 8 Anuna has been re-living the dream of her performance in the National Finals of the Latin American Ballroom Dance Competition, held a week ago at the Ballroom Tower, in Blackpool. (Some of us will recognise it from Strictly Come Dancing). Anuna said it looked really lovely, with beautiful paintings, high ceilings and gold décor, and with the excitement, all those pretty dresses and immaculately groomed dancers, it really felt like a National Final!

Anuna has been dancing with her partner for two years and they were awarded a place in the National Finals having come 3rd in the Regional Finals. How is your Quick Step? Or your Rumba? Remember it’s not just a question of the steps, but the 7 judges are looking at your posture, that your head is up, the position of your hands, how you stretch your ankles, point your toes, and SMILE as you move effortlessly round the floor. Easy! But they also look at your dress and your hair. The impression you make in the first 20 seconds is vital. No pressure then.

Did she feel like a princess?  Definitely not when she was queuing in the high street in the rain, trying to get into the Ballroom. And it’s crazy backstage. But otherwise, yes!  Despite having an injection in her fractured finger the day before the competition, Anuna danced her way through to the quarter finals of the Juniors section (12-16). It’s her first time there and since she is only 13, she has years to perfect her performance. Well done Anuna!