Isla, a Year 7 student at Fairfield High School is making waves in the world of dance, earning recognition on a national level.
Most recently, Isla competed in the Iconic Freestyle Competitions in Stoke-on-Trent. Performing in the under-14s category, she impressed judges with her skill and stage presence, securing second and fourth place in the ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ dances respectively.
Isla, who trains for 15 hours a week, said: “When I started dancing, I really wasn’t that good! I started entering competitions just for fun, winning a few medals here and there. However because my slow dancing is quite mature, when I moved to the under 14s category, that’s when things really took off! I’ve found a style of dance that showcases my strength and I’m excited about what the future holds. I would recommend to anyone wanting to try out a new hobby or sport to give it a go. It will be difficult at first, but it does get easier and you will improve the more you try.”
Sharmaine, Isla’s mum, added: “I am a super proud, and slightly embarrassing, Mum who has seen Isla grow stronger and more confident with every step over the past few years.”
Isla hopes that, in the future, she will have the opportunity to attend international dance conventions, with destinations such as the United States among her dreams.