STUDENTS from the Crediton-based Charles Academy of Dance are celebrating their success after competing in the 2016 Exeter Dance Festival.

The festival, which ran over February half term, saw students from across Devon and Dorset compete in a variety of dance classes including ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, character and improvisation.

Students from the Charles Academy of Dance scooped a number of first, second, third and fourth placings, and all achieved an outstanding set of marks.

The week cumulated on Saturday evening at the Gala, where any pieces achieving a certain mark or above from the previous week, go head-to-head.

The evening is always a wonderful display of local talent; and this year was judged by Bethany Rose Harrison, semi finalist from BBC 1’s “So You Think You Can Dance”, who has worked with artists such as “The Pussycat Dolls” and “Kylie”.

With more than 40 acts competing for top spot, Charles Academy students were awarded second place for their modern piece “Ramalama”, narrowly missing out to a Weymouth-based dance school.

School Principal Amy Charles said: “I am extremely proud of all our students that competed in this year’s competition. They all danced beautifully throughout the week and their focus, dedication and hard work was a real credit to the school.

“To achieve second place against such prestigious schools and talented dancers really is something. All of the girls should be very proud of themselves and the fantastic results they achieved.”

Having opened in September 2009, Charles Academy of Dance is now in its seventh year, and the school has moved from strength-to-strength.

Aside from Exeter Dance Festival, other recent successes include three Charles Academy Senior Company students; Rebecca Bonsor, Ella Whiteley and Libby Holmes, being selected for the English Youth Ballet’s production of “Copellia”. The production will be performed at the Princess Theatre, Torquay in April. The rest of the school are hot on their heels, achieving a full bill of Merits or Distinctions in all their previous RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) exams.

Charles Academy of Dance runs a large variety of dance classes in Crediton, with lessons held at Crediton Town Hall and Crediton Arts Centre.

Classes include RAD ballet, ISTD tap, modern and jazz, contemporary and musical theatre. Lessons cater for beginners through to advanced level and from ages three years through to adults!

The Academy also runs an Intensive Training Programme for students studying dance at a Vocational level.

For more information, please telephone 07920 180707 or visit: www.charlesacademyofdance.co.uk .

Alan Quick