Dancers scoop awards

The group, which meets at St Peter’s Community Centre in Bexhill Old Town, caters for three to 16-year-olds and embraces ballet, tap, modern dance and musical theatre under the tutelage of former professional dancer, Amanda Lacey.

Its pupils scooped several prizes at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Dance Festival in Kent before continuing their success at Hastings Music Festival, held recently at the White Rock Theatre.

Wins included the Conibear Cup for the junior under 10 classical group, mixed age classical and non-classical groups and under 10 classical and non-classical quartet.

Amy Robinson won all four of her solo sections in the eight-year-olds group, Jessica Sutton won five solos in the nine-year-old group and received six trophies from pop singer Petula Clark.

Jessica also won a duet cup with Molly Moyse, who won six solos in the 15-year-old age group and the pprestigious Phyllis Godfrey Championship. A dozen trophies were presented to her by Petula Clark and she gained the £1,000 Honda Award for Excellence to help with her future training.

Tutor Amanda Lacey said: “Molly has already been offered places at both Performers’ College and the Millennium Performing Arts when she leaves St Richard’s Catholic College this summer.

“Now she needs to find further funding to help her achieve her goal by continuing her studies for a career in what she loves and excels in.”

The Lacey Theatre Arts dancers will be showcasing their winning dances at St Peter’s Community Centre on Saturday, April 2 at 6.30pm.

Molly’s great aunt, Pam, of Chantry Avenue, Bexhill, said that for the dancers to come away from Hastings with 23 trophies, 23 first places and an overall 45 placings had been a tremendous achievement.

She said: “Congratulations, children, and well done to Amanda, too, for her brilliant teaching and choreography. So proud of you all.”