Sunderland schoolgirl ranked number one in globe ahead of Dance World Cup in Dublin
A 10-year-old girl from Sunderland has been ranked first in the world ahead of this year’s Dance World Cup Finals in the Republic of Ireland.
Vienna Stobbart, 10, has been recognised for her talent ahead of the Dance World Cup next month, ranking first ahead of 9,000 other soloists.
Last year the competition brought 25,000 people together in the Spanish city of Burgos as 8,500 dancers from 51 countries performed more than 7,000 routines.
Vienna goes to SK Dance School of Performing Arts, in Grindon, Sunderland, and is looking forward to performing a musical theatre routine in front of thousands of spectators.
Vienna’s mum, Lauren Spiller, said: “She was so humbled when I told her, whereas I was in tears.”
She continued: “We did a video for the Dance World Cup of Vienna singing and thought nothing of it.
"I got a phone call around a month or so after from her teacher saying Lauren, you need to sit down, I have something really important to tell you.
"I thought what is it. She said Vienna had been ranked first in the whole world.
"She’ll be going for the GB title but she’ll be up against people from all over.”
Fifteen-year-old Evie Gettins, who also goes to SK Dance School, has been ranked seventh in the world.
For Vienna, performing is “her life and soul”, attending classes five times a week.
Lauren said: “Castletown School, which is where she goes, have been so resilient with her education and letting her have the time off.
"This is huge for a little girl born and bred in Sunderland.
"It’s something you’d maybe expect in London but not up here in Sunderland.”
SK Dance School of Performing Arts is also sending two mini troupes to represent Team England in Dublin.
One group will be performing Toy Story, and were ranked seventh place, and one group will be dancing to Barbie, ranking fourth.
Co-principal, Sophina Afzal, said: “They’ve done really well to get this far. I believe we are the only school in Sunderland to get troupes in too.
"A number of other soloists have been entered but not troupes.”
Lauren would like to thank M&R Autos NE, Martin Telfer Carpets and Danni Lay Gas & Heating Services for sponsoring Vienna at the Dance World Cup.