A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl from the Isle of Wight has beaten stiff competition to secure a spot in the latter stages of a prestigious national dance competition.

Emma, won the Modern Solo category against competitors from across the south coast, and has now qualified for the semi-finals of the All England Dance Competition. She was also placed third in her tap solo.

Proud mother, Joanna, said: "We are very proud of Emma's hard work. She only started learning her winning solo three weeks before the competition.

"This was her first live festival since the Isle of Wight Music Dance and Drama Festival came to a halt due to lockdown in March 2020."

Emma attends Fusion Arts Academy in Cowes and is by taught her mother and fellow teacher Vicki Humm.

Vicki is a former professional dancer and dance captain on cruise ships, while Jo is a qualified dance and music teacher who previously performed as a violinist in Robbie Williams’ TV band.