School dance star scoops top awards
A South Yorkshire school girl is jumping for joy after dancing her way to a series of top accolades.
Niamh Woodmass, from Rotherham, has been presented with the Michael Hawley shield for her outstanding attitude, presentation and dedication to dance.
The 12-year-old, a pupil at Mount St Mary’s College, was selected for the award out of more than 200 pupils across all grades at the Dance Workshop, in Dinnington.
A new award, the Michael Hawley shield was set up in memory of the late husband of Sylvia Hawley, who ran the Dance Workshop.
Niamh, who has danced since the age of five, was also awarded a shield for achieving the highest grading in her 2011 exams – Full Honours on Grade 4 Ballet, Grade 3 Tap and Grade 3 Jazz.
She said: “I was really pleased to win the Michael Hawley award and be picked out from so many other good dancers.
“I love dancing and go three times a week for Grade 5 Pointe, Grade 5 Ballet, Grade 4 Tap and Grade 4 Jazz lessons, and we have a Dance Show next year.”
Mount St Mary’s College is a co-educational, boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds in Spinkhill.
Its preparatory school, Barlborough Hall, recently opened a new studio for dance, gymnastics and martial arts.
Ruth Powell, head of girls' games at Mount St Mary’s College, said: “We are very proud of Niamh’s achievements. The award was in recognition of her excellent behavior, attitude, presentation, in and out of class, and overall dedication, which are all qualities we promote at Mount St Mary’s.
“We encourage pupils to flourish and develop beyond the classroom through a wide range of activities from creative arts to sports so it is fantastic to see Niamh shine on the dance floor!”