World dance finals success for novice

A six-year-old who only began dance classes six months ago has made it to the final of two international street dancing competitions.
Sunny-Rae Goddard, six, who has qualified for world dance championships after just six months dancing.Sunny-Rae Goddard, six, who has qualified for world dance championships after just six months dancing.
Sunny-Rae Goddard, six, who has qualified for world dance championships after just six months dancing.

Sunny-Rae Goddard will compete against international opposition in the UDO World Street Dance Championships in Glasgow this August. She will also represent Britain in the UDO Six Nations in Southport in November.

“This is the first competition she has entered,” said proud mum Joanne Haynes. “She’s done really well and tries really hard – but she’s no idea how much of an achievement it is.”

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The Boston West pupil, who dances at Little Gems Academy in Skegness, competed for a place in the final at the UDO qualifier in Nottinghamshire in March.

“She performed in front of 1,500 people and there were 100 kids in her category of under eight – so many were older than her,” said Joanne. “She came fourth, which qualified her for the championships.

Sunny-Rae’s sister Honey, nine, also got through to the semi-finals after just six months dancing.

“There isn’t a lot for kids to do around here,” Joanne said. “We tried boxing, swimming and cheerleading but they never really stuck to anything so we gave street-dancing a go and they love it.

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“I’d like to say that they get it all from their mother as I loved dancing in my clubbing days,” laughed Joanne, “But I never did so competitively.”

The family plan to go along to both competitions to cheer Sunny-Rae on.