Members of a popular dance group hot-stepped their way onto the shortlist of a prestigious worldwide competition.

Newly formed JW Dance delivers classes for children in Honiton and Ottery. And the youngsters recently reached the Dance School of The Year Awards finals in the 100-150 students category.

JW founder Jo Wilson said she was incredibly proud of her talented young team.
She added: “I am so happy to have the work of the school recognised when JW Dance was just getting established.”

The school started at Honiton Gymnastics Club in September 2020, before continuing classes online during lockdown. In April 2021, it was able to open its doors once again and additional classes were launched in Ottery at the primary school, LED and The Station.

Jo, who has 20 years experience in the dance world, said: “It was a risk to launch classes during the pandemic, but the parents, children and local community have been so supportive.

“Our focus and ethos is not only high-level dance training but also ensuring positive mindset and mental well being. Since September 2021 we expanded our timetable to include Monday and Wednesday evening classes in Ottery, consisting of Adult Ballet, acro and stretch programs and pre-school dance classes.

“With 130 students enrolled and working towards dance exams as well as performances this summer at Ottery Food and Families Festival and the West Hill Village Fete, we are so excited for the future of JW Dance in the Ottery St Mary and surrounding Community.”

Now in its ninth year, the Dance School of the Year Awards was founded by Anne Walker MBE to celebrate the achievements of dance schools who so often do not receive the recognition they deserve.

Finalists represent schools of all sizes and all genres from ballet to hip-hop and ballroom to contemporary. Entries were received from across the UK and Europe as well as Canada, Ireland, USA, Bahrain, Malaysia, Finland, India and Australia.

The awards ceremony was held on October 29 and was preceded by a Devon cream tea where the delegates received their finalist certificates.

For more information visit https://www.jowilsondance.co.uk