Student Spotlight: Year 9 Pupils Shines as Dancer of the Year!

A huge congratulations to Year 9 student Nell McGuinness, who recently took home the prestigious title of Dancer of the Year 2023/24 at the Empire Street Dance Company! The award was presented during a celebration show on Sunday, 15th September, attended by the entire dance school and an enthusiastic, sell-out audience of 450 people.

Nell, who joined the dance school at just 3 years old, has consistently impressed her teachers and peers with her unwavering dedication and passion. Described as hardworking, humble, and an inspiration to everyone at the school, Nell’s "never give up" attitude has driven her to reach incredible heights in her dancing journey.

Nell’s achievement highlights not only her individual talent but also her commitment and perseverance over the years. We are all incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited to see where her dance career will take her next!

We caught up with Nell to find out more about her fabulous achievement:

How did you feel when your name was announced as Dancer of the Year?
"I’ve watched back so many videos friends and family have shared from that night. I still can’t believe it! I was, and still am, stunned. I sat in disbelief when I heard my name being called. I was overwhelmed with emotion, but I’m incredibly proud of my achievement."

What has been your favourite memory or performance since joining the Empire Street Dance Company?
"I couldn’t single out one particular event. Each and every time I get on stage with my best friends is my favourite moment."

What advice would you give to younger dancers who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
"I would say keep pushing yourself, forget your fear, and never doubt yourself. When I first started at Empire at just 3 years old, I was extremely shy, but over time, with the support of my dance family, my confidence and self-esteem grew. I would say, ‘Set your own pace for your journey and don’t compare yourself to others.’ I believe if you never give up, great things will come. By pushing myself, I’ve been chosen for some incredible parts, like Diva Dorothy in Straight Outta Oz and more recently Anne Boleyn in SIX the Musical. If I had allowed myself to be overcome by nerves, I might never have got these opportunities. So my advice is NEVER GIVE UP!"

Are there any upcoming dance events or competitions that you’re looking forward to?
"With Empire, there’s always something to look forward to, whether it’s an international trip, a showcase at Alton Towers, our own annual shows, or competitions in Blackpool. It doesn’t matter where we are in the world—there’s something special about Empire Street Dance that makes every performance memorable."

How has your experience at Empire Street Dance Company shaped your passion for dance over the years?
"When I am on stage, or even just in the studio at rehearsals with all of my dance family, I feel like I belong. That sense of belonging really pushes me beyond my limits. From that, my passion and abilities have grown. When you have a safe environment in which to express yourself, there really is no limit to what you can achieve. Dancing is everything to me, but I don’t think I would love it as much at any other dance school. If you’ve ever thought about dancing, you should give it a go—you won’t regret it!"​

Congratulations again to Nell for this incredible achievement! We can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising star!