BOURNEMOUTH’S First Position School of Dance has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Dance School of the Year Awards.

Now in its fourth year, the Dance School of the Year Awards was founded by Anne Walker MBE to celebrate the achievements of theatre dance schools who so often do not receive the recognition they deserve.

Thousands of dance schools entered, with entries were received from schools of all sizes across the UK and Europe.

Principle Natalie Pearl who started the school 13 years ago says: “First Position is my love, my passion and a very special and wonderful place to be. The school is built on the love and mutual respect the pupils and I have for each other, each and every child is given the best training possible in all areas of dance to achieve the best they can be.”

Natalie added: “And now to be a finalist in this incredible competition is just the icing on the cake and such an honour to be recognised for doing what I love.”

The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony in Exeter on July 23.

Guest of honour is the broadcaster, writer and life-long dance supporter Angela Rippon OBE who is patron of a number of dance associations and was Chairman of English National Ballet.

For more information see firstpositiondance.co.uk