Elite’s Golden Journey: First-Time World Championship Success in New York

In July, 25 dancers from the Elite Dancers Academy travelled across the Atlantic to represent the UK at the World Championships in New York. Aged between 9 and 15, these young performers had the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable experience, competing on a global stage and exploring one of the most iconic cities in the world.

This trip gave the dancers a chance to come together as a team, support one another, and experience the excitement of performing in a new environment. For all, it was their first time abroad with their dance school, and one they are sure to remember for years to come.

Qualification for the World Championships was earned through the international dance competition, Starpower: a global touring event that visits over 400 cities and adjudicates more than 500,000 routines annually. From these, only 200 dances worldwide were selected to compete at the World Championship Finals in New York. All three of Elite’s routines were awarded Golden Buzzer Tickets at the UK Nationals, securing their place among the world’s best.

For Elite, this marked their first appearance at the World Championships.

Elite performed three standout routines on the world stage, each one distinctive, expressive, and technically strong.

Birds of a Feather – Junior large group

Choreographed by Miss Yasmin Alamiri, this lyrical piece combined elegant lines with a sense of unity and strength. The junior team, made up of dancers who take dance classes in Wimbledon, were awarded an Excellence Award for Choreography: an honour that reflects the clarity, structure, and artistic integrity of the piece.

Lay Me Down – Senior small group

Choreographed by Miss Amy Coles, this emotional routine showcased vulnerability, power, and control. The senior dancers, a combined team from our Chiswick and Wimbledon locations, received an Excellence Award for Emotional and Powerful Performance, with judges praising their stage presence and connection to the music.

Sand – Senior large group

Choreographed by Miss Tyler Lotzof, this contemporary number was bold, dynamic, and visually striking. The choreography highlighted the versatility of our older students, many of whom train across multiple styles like acro classes in Chiswick and jazz and lyrical dance training in Wimbledon Village, contributing to their strong all-round performance.

To earn two Excellence Awards at their first-ever appearance on the world stage is a rare and impressive achievement for any UK-based dance school. It recognises the school’s commitment to high-quality training, innovative choreography, and the strength of its performance teams.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, several of the girls were also preparing for their RAD ballet exams, demonstrating exceptional focus and time management. Balancing competition rehearsals with exam preparation is no small feat and it’s a great example of the dancers’ dedication to honing their technique and taking their training seriously.

While the highlight was undoubtedly the competition day itself, the dancers also experienced the magic of New York. From walking through Times Square to visiting Central Park and sharing team breakfasts, the trip created special memories far beyond the stage.

The dancers also had the privilege of rehearsing at a prestigious Broadway dance studio, giving them a taste of the professional dance world in one of the most iconic cities for the performing arts. Whether they were in rehearsals or sightseeing, the girls built lasting friendships and left New York feeling proud of what they had achieved together.

Elite’s debut at the World Championships marks the beginning of a new chapter. The dancers return to the UK full of pride and inspiration, knowing what’s possible when hard work and teamwork come together.

At Elite, we believe every dancer deserves the chance to grow, push their limits, and take part in something meaningful. The World Championships offered exactly that, showing the power of preparation, passion, and performance.

Elite’s competitive programme is designed for dancers who want to take their training to the next level. With structured technique classes, innovative choreography, and opportunities to perform both locally and internationally, we support young dancers in developing their full potential.

We’re holding auditions on Saturday 6th September for new dancers who are ready to join our award-winning Competition Team. Click here for more information about joining the team.

Whether your child is drawn to ballet, acro or jazz, our dance classes across Chiswick, Wimbledon, Streatham and Southfields provide the foundation for every dancer to thrive.