I compete in Latin and ballroom dancing competitions on a yearly basis. There are three qualifiers for the national finals, which occur once a year at Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

This was the first qualifier of the season, so it was packed with over 100 competitors, as everyone wanted to qualify early. Since nationals last season, I moved up a level and now compete in one of the highest categories.

Given that I had moved up a level and it was the first comp of the season, I was not expecting to place, let alone finish 1st in ballroom dancing the quickstep and 2nd in Latin dancing the rumba!

I was incredibly pleased with my result, as it means that I have already qualified for nationals and will be returning again for my second consecutive year.

Heidi, Lower IV