Denmead dancer named 2021 star after beating hundreds of other hopefuls in Can You Dance? competition

A YOUNG dancer from Denmead has beaten hundreds of other performers from across the country to be named a Dance Star of 2021.
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India Taylor, 16, was selected to join the Can You Dance? company for young performers after it received more than 700 applications from hopefuls aged from eight to 18.

The performer, who has danced since she was three years old, said: ‘I’m very proud of myself, the people I’m dancing along with are really high profile.

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‘I’m very excited and looking forward to enjoying the whole experience.’

India was named ISTD disco freestyle champion in her category. India was named ISTD disco freestyle champion in her category.
India was named ISTD disco freestyle champion in her category.

As a Dance Star for the company, India will perform at Can You Dance? events and hopes to enjoy a range of new dancing experiences alongside industry professionals, including international choreographers and dance educators.

The dancer also says that she is hoping that she will gain more of a following on her social media profiles, including her Instagram account.

India, whose specialism is jazz and contemporary dance, added: ‘I like the performing side of it - I like to be practical and physical anyway.’

Jane and India Taylor.Jane and India Taylor.
Jane and India Taylor.
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India was nominated by choreographer Charlotte Gooch, who she has worked with before.

After submitting a video to Can You Dance?, India was chosen by a panel of leading dance industry experts, including Matt Flint, a creative director and choreographer who has worked on Strictly Come Dancing and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, and Tom Shilock, a professional dancer and choreography who has danced for artists such as Rita Ora and Jason Derulo.

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Mum Jane Taylor said: ‘It’s really exciting - she works really hard and achieved quite a lot.

‘It’s another platform she can grow with.

‘I want to see her have lots of new dance experiences, and to see her reach her full potential.’

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India has also been working professionally since she was 10 years old and is currently represented by Stagebox Management. She also trains with Timestep Academy of Dance and Stagebox London Elite during school holidays, and does photographic and runway modelling.

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