Thompson Wins Dance Contest In England
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian Russian Thompson displayed her “star quality” by winning two dance routines at the All-England Freestyle Championships in Stockport, Greater Manchester, at the weekend.
The nine-year-old, representing Empowered Studios – the leading dance school in Salford – claimed top honours in a slow and fast routine in the under-10 category.
Russian, who moved to England with her mother, Chauntee Thompson, in September last year, said she was “thrilled” with her showstopping performance.
“I was surprised with how well I did,” Russian, a former St David’s Primary School student, told Bernews. “It has boosted my confidence.
“I was a bit scared to do all the competitions before, but now I’m OK with them.”
Chauntee said Russian has always displayed a creative streak, having started dancing aged three at the United Dance Productions in Hamilton.
“I was speechless when she started performing,” said Chauntee, whose daughter attends Branwood Preparatory School in Eccles.
“Everyone was like, ‘Wow, look at her confidence!’ She took over the entire stage.”
The multi-talented youngster has also been having vocal training, and drum and violin lessons, winning her school’s Musician of the Month award for May.
“We’re so proud of Russian for coming to the UK and representing Bermuda so well,” Chauntee added. “My daughter and I moved here for new opportunities.”
Hannah Louise Jackson, the principal and lead ballroom/freestyle teacher at Empowered Studios, said Russian is a “star in the making” and spotted her talent immediately when she joined her school several months ago.
“She started attending my fun classes with all the other children – we teach around 200 a week,” Ms Jackson said.
“As soon as I saw Russian, I told her mom, ‘She’s very talented’. To pick her out like that shows her star quality.
“We selected her to be part of our competition team of 20 children. She did amazingly well at the championships, and we’re all made up for her.
“She has another competition in July and will advance to a harder section. She should still do well!”
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Excellent! Congrats little Bermie girl!