Kerry Way, who has won through to the All England Dance semi-finals.
A STUDENT at the Isle of Wight College has won through to the All England Dance semi-finals at Fareham after scooping first place in the modern solo section for 16 to 21 year olds at Southampton’s prestigious dance festival.
Kerry Way, 17, of Bettesworth Road, Ryde, is a pupil at the Gillian Cartwright School of Dance and is studying beauty therapy at the college.
The judges were particularly impressed with Kerry’s passion and interpretation, as well as her costume, which was made by an Island dressmaker.
She was also awarded the most enjoyable modern dance of the festival.
Kerry turned 17 on June 13. Last month’s accolade is her first solo success. She was accepted into three major dance studios in London but missed out on scholarships.
However, she hopes to be successful when she auditions next year.
She said: "I’ve worked my way up from the bottom and now, after watching all my beautiful friends at Gillian’s come in the top spots, I finally feel like I’m among them now. Hopefully, the judges will like the dance just as much in the semi-finals."
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk