Bell Studio of Highland Dance student Lucy Edwards was thrilled to recently return home from New Plymouth as the winner of the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championship 16 years and over.
Lucy also won the Scottish National Dance Premiership of Taranaki 16 years and over, and the Spirit of Highland Dancing Award.
Also in New Zealand was fellow Bell Studio dancer, Isabelle Bidese, who placed in all four dances in the Pre Championship 16 years and over section.
The following week, Lucy travelled to Sydney and was placed runner up in the Grand Australasian Championship 16-18 years, competing against dancers from every state.
Bell Studio student Amalia Srpcic also danced at the competition, placing fourth overall in the Novice Title 9 years and under.
It has been a busy couple of months for the studio, with students also competing at the Southern States Championships and competitions, held at Wulanda in June.
Matilda Barker won the Beginners Titles 10 years and under, Hannah Telfer took out the
Novice Titles 10 years and under and Lily Irwin and Isla Whitaker were named as the joint winners for Beginners Title 11 years and over.
Mia Garland-Cooper, Mackenzie Davies, Srpcic, Tilly Salmon and Bidese also placed within the Top 3 in their respective titles.
Principal Katie Edwards said she was pleased with the outstanding results which demonstrated the level of talent in the region.