An Exmouth dance school has become a finalist in the international Dance School of the Year competition for 2021 .

It comes after Rhiannon Annandale entered her dance school, RA Dance Fitness, into the competition for the very first time.

The competition is 'open to all dance schools of all sizes, anywhere in the world'.

She took over her dance school just last year in August 2020, having taught dance in the town for many years prior.

She said: "I've been teaching dance in Exmouth for many years now, originally as a teacher at Exe Dance Arts. In August 2020 I took over the dance school and rebranded to RA Dance Fitness.

"Honestly it feels great to be a finalist the first year we've entered especially during such a hard year.

"As soon as it was clear dance schools needed to close, I went straight online.

"We took a few steps back and worked on the basics, or skills they could do, instead of working towards anything new that was more likely to go wrong, as well as keeping it fun with lots of games.

"We were finally allowed back to in-person classes in September which meant social-distancing, small classes, and parents staying outside. It was tricky keeping the students apart, but we made it work.

"We really wouldn't have been able to continue if it weren't for all the supportive parents helping their kids get set up online and dropping them off at dance at unusual times."

If your child would like to join RA Dance Fitness, you can visit its website here or email [email protected]

The awards ceremony for the Dance School of the Year competition will take place at Sandy Park on Friday 29 October.

Click here to find out more about the competition.

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