SEVEN students from CC Dance Studios in Harwich took home 22 trophies, five of which were first place, in one of the biggest ballroom and Latin dance competitions of the year.

The Champions of Tomorrow 2024 took place from January 5 to 7 in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens and participants from 18 countries competing, with people also travelling from all across Europe to attend the event.

With over 5,500 competition entries – some events had over 60 entries – the four juvenile, two junior and one youth dancer from the Harwich studio took home an inpressive 22 trophies.

Chloe Carman, principal of CC Dance Studios, said: “72 hours of dancing and I wouldn't change a thing. Not too bad for a little school in Harwich town".

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Determination - (Left to right) Adam Parry, Eva Pearl Powell, Ayisha Raven Crystal Dominey, Lacey Martell-Smith, Nanci Todd, Faith Rayner, Lottie Dommett and Chloe CarmanDetermination - (Left to right) Adam Parry, Eva Pearl Powell, Ayisha Raven Crystal Dominey, Lacey Martell-Smith, Nanci Todd, Faith Rayner, Lottie Dommett and Chloe Carman (Image: CC Dance Studios)

The seven dancers competed in the Pro Am, Teacher/Student and solo categories with the students being partnered by Chloe Carman, Andrei Toader British and European ballroom champion, and Adam Parry who represented team GB in 2021.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Morale - (Left to right) Lottie Dommett, Lacey Martell-Smith, Faith Rayner, Eva Powell and Nanci ToddMorale - (Left to right) Lottie Dommett, Lacey Martell-Smith, Faith Rayner, Eva Powell and Nanci Todd (Image: CC Dance Studios)

The Winter Gardens is considered the world’s number-one destination for ballroom dancing and has hosted festivals for over 90 years.

The number of entries for the competition was up 35 per cent from last year, making it the largest number of entries to date.