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Ellie taps her way on to TV show
A BUDDING dance star is aiming for the top after winning her first national title – and is now set for her very first TV appearance.
Ellie Griffiths is just eight years old and made the trip to Blackpool for the British Championships to compete against girls up to two years older than herself.
But the four-day competition at the seaside was extra special for the Eldon Grove Primary School pupil as she emerged victorious in the juvenile tap category, beating off the challenge of up to 70 youngsters from across the country.
It was Ellie's first taste of national gold success after just missing out last year when she made the final of the song and dance category.
Ellie's fantastic performance didn't go un-noticed and the youngster is now preparing for a trip to Glasgow to take part in TV talent show, Got To Dance, presented by Davina McCall.
Ellie's mum Libby and dad Darren, both 39, along with her 11-year old brother Will, who live in Park Road, Hartlepool, made the trip to Blackpool as they do with all of her dance competitions.
Libby, who works for Housing Hartlepool, said: "We were so proud of her, we knew she was good and she had performed well but it was still a shock to find out she had won.
"She was very relaxed before she competed and to win a national championship is fantastic."
Ellie dances at the Val Armstrong School of Performing Arts based in Whitby Street in Hartlepool, and although she was victorious in the tap category in Blackpool, the youngster doesn't limit herself to one type of dance.
Libby added: "Ellie started dancing when she was about three years old and she has done it ever since.
"She loves it and goes to about five different sessions some weeks.
"The academy have been brilliant with her, they are very supportive and everyone is so friendly."
Val Armstrong, principal at the performing arts school said Ellie's work ethic deserves success.
Val said: "Ellie is an exceptional all-round student who excels at everything she does.
"But she is also very hard working and regularly spends time practising on her own.
"The standard of competition was incredibly high and the school performed particularly well, Sarah Lowe was runner up in two senior titles which was also a great achievement."
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Weather for Hartlepool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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