George is on tap of the world

A pupil of Dance Industry, Littlehampton, since the age of three, George, of Goodhew Close, Yapton, and pictured, left won the gold medal for junior boys at the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Tap Awards 2005, in London.

His stylish display outshone the 68 other dancers from all over the country in the competition for boys aged 11 and 12, and delighted Muriel Bordenave, the principal and owner of Dance Industry.

"Something like this is very, very special. George is a wonderful, all-round dancer and it is rare for a boy of his age to be so good at everything.

"He got 90 per cent in his grade 5 ballet, so it's fantastic that he has this talent for tap, too."

Dance Industry teacher Susan Moore choreographed George's dance for the Fred Astaire routine, Putting on the Ritz.

He also had to perform an unseen piece, taught on the day in a class situation.

Said Muriel: "I thought he did the dance very well, but then seeing others, they looked good, too.

"But he was slightly different from the others '“ he has this beautiful poise about him. He looks more stylish. It's a gentleman's style, like Fred Astaire.

"He is a lovely character, adorable. He does not boast about what he has achieved, but when he found out he had won, he had this grin on his face for the rest of the day."