The second annual North Cornwall Dance Festival took place over four days, from February 20 to February 23 at St Joseph’s School in Launceston.

This was the first year as full members of the British and International Federation of Festivals. Over the four days more than 250 performers competed in 74 separate categories, as individuals, duets, trios or quartets, or in groups. The categories were equally varied from ballet to street dance, tap to song and dance, modern to lyrical dance.

Competitors came from dance schools as far away as London and Cirencester. The festival adjudicator was national federation judge Linda Young, who gave each performer positive and constructive feedback about every performance. The auditorium at St Joseph’s school was full each day with dance coaches, choreographers, families and spectators, contributing to a lively and supportive atmosphere through the festival.

Festival founder and director, Jessica Chu said: “The ethos of the North Cornwall Dance Festival is to be inclusive to all varieties of dance disciplines and to involve performers at different levels and abilities.

“We welcome competitors with learning and physical differences to enter the main competition and we are delighted that this was well received and praised by everyone involved.

“The performances in all age categories were of a high standard and a joy to watch.”

Every festival entrant took home a certificate of achievement and everyone received a medal: gold, silver, bronze for placed competitors or a green ‘Well Done’ medal. The ‘Well Done’ medals will change colour each year so that entrants can collect the full rainbow.

Trophies for outstanding solo performances were awarded to this year’s stand-out competitors, Liberty Mai Grainger, Chloe Hawker, Amber Mills and Jodie Gill. The promising performer cup was awarded to Bethany Bent.

Plans have already begun for North Cornwall Dance Festival in 2020.

Trophies that were awarded: Maddielili Photography trophy for Outstanding Solo Performance in the baby category went to Liberty Mai Grainger (Jamiella Dance School); Outstanding Solo Performance in the junior category, Chloe Hawker (Classique Dance Studios); St Joseph’s School trophy for Outstanding Solo Performance in the intermediate category went to Amber Mills (Classique Dance Studios); Flying Lizard trophy for Outstanding Solo Performance in the senior category went to Jodie Gill (Jason Thomas Performing Arts Bude); West Bowithick Holiday Cottages trophy for the most promising performer went to Bethany Bent (JamiellaDance School).