JODIE Walters, a Year 11 student at the Burgate School and Sixth Form is an aspiring street dancer who recently took part in the United Dance Organisation’s (UDO’s) world championships in Blackpool. There were over 6000 dancers from 32 different countries at the event.

She entered the team competition with her dance group UNION and also competed in the solo dance contest. In the team contest, Jodie and her teammates each managed to earn a medal, finishing 2nd overall, which alone is a phenomenal achievement.

It was in her solo contest however, where Jodie really showed her talent and determination. She had made her way into the last 10 dancers out of the 116 that had participated. However, whilst performing, Jodie stumbled and broke her foot. She showed great determination and grit though as she somehow managed to continue and finish her dance. Jodie said: “I would have been disqualified if the judges had found out about my broken foot so I carried on”.

Jodie was inspired to dance by her parents and has been dancing since the age of three. She stated that street dancing is her favourite style of dancing and also helps to teach for a local street dance club, Shakedance. Jodie’s next goal is to compete in the UDO’s world championships next year.

By Callum Robertson.