Shropshire youngsters dance their way to success - Market Drayton has two Irish Dancing world champions

Two Irish Dancers from Market Drayton have been crowned world champions at an international competition.

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Toby Nellins and Lilia Tokai of Studio J Dance Academy, and Holding Academy Irish Dancers, competed together in Warwick on October 28, becoming world champions in the two hand ceili.

The Market Drayton-based dance school utilises facilities such as Festival Drayton Centre and has competed at the world championships for 13 years.

The dance school is celebrating success on the whole after founder and teacher Julia Holding was awarded the Irish Dance Teachers Shield for the third time after receiving the highest exam results for her students.

Julia Cohen (left) holding the teachers shield, followed by (left to right) Matilda Taylor, Izzy Marsh and Amelie Brookes who received their student letters.

Additionally, three of the dance teacher’s students have also received their student letters in Irish Dancing - all gaining a distinction in their exams.

Tobi also came second in his age group at the world championships, competing individually, in what was an incredible result for the Shropshire dancers, and teacher Julia is delighted for them and with her award.

She said: “I am extremely proud of my students achievements. Their hard work and dedication to their dancing is fantastic and continues to inspire the younger dancers at our studio.

Lilia Tokai and Toby Nellins who became world champions.

“I am also thrilled to have been awarded the Irish Dance Teachers Shield for the third time too. Our Dance school continues to go from strength to strength.”

Julia runs Studio J Dance in Tern Hill and also holds classes in the North Shropshire town.

Her dance school offers a complete range of dance genres as well as Irish Dancing and adult fitness classes.