Portsmouth dance school praised for innovative ideas as it comes third in international award category

Portsmouth-based performing arts company Abstract Dance and Performing Arts, which has 10 schools around the area, was awarded third place in the largest dance school category for the global Dance School of the Year Awards.

Run by Amber Leigh Mitchell, the school teaches around 600 students in a variety of disciplines and dance styles including jazz, ballet, tap and cheerleading.

During a tough year which saw lessons move online, the group kept spirits up by taking part in video montages thanking the NHS and spreading love.

The award was given during a virtual ceremony which replaced the usual gala dinner, with the competition having more contestants than ever.

Principal Amber said: 'This year has had the biggest number of submissions with more entrants than ever, the competition has gone global with entrants from America, Asia, Europe and Australia and with the hardships of covid, we are sensationally proud to be a global Dance School of the Year winner!’

This is the fourth award the school has won at the prestigious ceremony since 2016, with previous accolades including a silver prize, a special innovation award, and even clinching overall winner in 2017.

Amber added: ‘Every award we receive is special to us in different ways and this one will have a close place in our hearts for our passion, perseverance, dedication and achievements in 2020, the most unprecedented year of our generations.’

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The 2019 Innovation Award was another particularly special achievement for Abstract staff and dancers, as the judges created the award after seeing their entry.

At the time, judges including Anne Walker MBE said: ‘Amongst the entries this year, there was one school whose business model is so completely different that the judges felt it appropriate to make a separate award. So this year we are making an award for innovation!’

Amber said: ‘This is such an amazing achievement to have an award created due to our individuality and specialities, with applications from UK, Europe, Canada and Australia!’

She added: ‘We work amazingly as a team. Everyone pulls together and tries their best, it’s a real passion for everyone.’

For more information, visit abstractdpa.com

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