| Amazing Grace is hot footing it to success
By Elaine Sheridan
 IRISH teenager Grace Byrne
is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a dance teacher.
The 15-year-old has just been crowned the winner in the under-16 national
ballroom championships.
Colchester-based Grace — whose grandparents hail from Monaghan and
Mayo — beat over 40 other hopefuls to win the coveted title in Blackpool
last week.
After several qualifying rounds Grace danced the waltz with her partner
and tutor Stephen Hill. She also won through to the semi final of the
Latin section, dancing her favourite dance — The Rumba.
She said: “I’m really thrilled with the win. It was a fantastic
feeling winning in Blackpool.
“Dancing is my whole life and I just love it. My partner and I couldn’t
believe it. All the hard work we put in has paid off.”
Grace dreams of becoming a dance teacher when she finishes school and
from a very early age that is all she has aspired to.
She practices at least twice a week as well as taking part in various
competitions. Even her old dance school burning down some months ago didn’t
deter her. But it did make the win even more poignant.
Grace said: “Rosemary and Jim’s School of dance burnt down
in a fire and everyone was really upset.
“We quickly found another venue and it was business as usual so
it really didn’t hinder me for long. I was proud taking my medal
back to show the others.”
Since Strictly Come Dancing has aired on BBC Grace says she has noticed
more people taking up ballroom dancing as a hobby.
She said: “I love watching Come Dancing every Saturday. The programme
has made ballroom dancing fashionable. And it’s a great way of keeping
fit too. My mum and dad have even taken it up now.
“There’s a great social side to it also. I’ve met loads
of friends through dancing. Boys are still a bit reluctant to join up
but hopefully that will change with time.”
Grace goes to St. Benedict’s College in Colchester where her friends
and teachers are very proud of her.
Headmaster Alan Whelan said: “St. Benedict’s is especially
proud that Grace has won the championship.
“I’ve got no doubt that we’ll hear a lot about her dancing
prowess in the future.” |
