Sunderland dance school shines with performance on BBC One's The Greatest Dancer

Elite Dance Juniors onstage with Alesha Dixon. Picture: Syco/Thames. Photographer: Tom Dymond

Performers from Sunderland’s Elite Dance Studio were on television on Saturday, January 25 as part of BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer.

Taught by Jessica Hall, 26, the youngsters impressed dance captains; Girls Aloud and solo singer Cheryl, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, performer Matthew Morrison and Todrick Hall, an American idol semi-finalist.

Cheryl, who shot to fame with on 2002’s Popstars: The Rivals, also told the group they made her proud to be from the North East.

The Elite Juniors performed on BBC One's The Greatest Dancer. Picture: Jessica Hall

Jessica, whose studio is on the city’s Willmore Street, has spoken of her pride after seeing the Elite Dance Juniors, who are aged between seven and 11, perform to millions on television.

She said: “Watching them on the TV was amazing.

“I see them pretty much every day in the studio but to see how well they came across and how professional they were on the TV – I couldn't have been prouder.

“They all work so hard and they were over the moon to get to see themselves on the TV.”

Elite Dance Juniors perform on The Greatest Dancer. Picture: Syco/Thames. Photographer: Tom Dymond

The girls were put forward to perform on the show after being spotted by talent scouts, and worked solidly with teacher Jessica for four weeks to prepare their routine.

While not through to the final 12, the group is looking forward to its annual showcase at The Customs House in South Shields, and upcoming championships.

Jessica added: “They had an amazing experience from start to finish.”