Maizie Whitbread, 12, from Rutland has recently competed in the International Dance Federation Championships in Lithuania.

In May, the Catmose College student celebrated a number of successes at the global dance competition despite suffering from a nasty case of food poisoning during the event.

Maizie, a student at Catmose College, who has trained with Rochelle Holmes, as well as Fearons Middleton School of Dance, was selected this year alongside 28 other young dancers from across the country, to represent Team England at the International Dance Federation Championships in Lithuania.

Early in the competition, Maizie achieved an impressive 4th place in the solo competition and, out of 28 starters, got into the finals after knock out heats. This was the biggest youth section and Maizie was the only competitor from England who got through to the finals.

Maizie's mum, Kirsty, said: "This was a massive achievement in disco slow dance. She then sadly got food poisoning and was very poorly for the next 48 hours, but still managed semis finals for her other solo dances. We were so proud of her resilience."

The group dances with BLDC that Maizie took part in achieved 2nd place Musical, 3rd place Jazz Funk Small Group, 3rd place Fantasy Show Group and 2nd place Dance Show Jazz.

Maizie getting ready to compete. Image credit: Kirsty Whitbread.

Maizie was also sitting in 1st place for own choreography after the first two rounds going into the finals.

Kirsty explained: "They played music that the children didn't know, and they had to make their routines up on the spot. While this wasn't an official win, it was a massive achievement knowing that going into that final the judges had scored her the best in the world for own choreography."

There were 9 judges from all over the world judging each section, which was both an amazing opportunity for the young dancers, and something that Maizie will never forget or take for granted.

Her dance teachers, Rochelle Holmes, as well as Miss Hayley from Fearons Middleton School of Dance, where very proud of her, as was mum.

Kirsty, concluded: "I am so proud of her and would like to thank her dance teachers. They are so good and had utter belief in Maizie. Thank you also to her wonderful sponsors, without whom this would not have been possible."

Maizie at the event showing off her wonderful sponsors. Image credit: Kirsty Whitbread.

Congratulations to Maizie, and all of the local businesses who sponsored her, making this achievement possible.