Whitehaven dance group sparkle at national competition

Dance Ranch, a family-run group from Whitehaven, had four routines reach the grand final of That's Showbiz, which took place at the opera house and winter gardens in Blackpool on Sunday March 10.

Sister Act won the adjudicator's choice award (Image: Supplied)

They took first place in open genre and best costume as some of their youngest dancers wowed with their Disney villain’s performance.

This is me, a routine based on disability awareness which included sign language, won most inspirational dance of the season and earned them a standing ovation.

This Is Me, a performance inspired by The Greatest Showman, earned Dance Ranch a standing ovation (Image: Supplied)

Dance teacher Tracey Pattison, who competed at the event alongside her mother, daughter and grandson, was delighted with their achievements.

She said: "Our dance routine featuring performers with disabilities was lovely. It got a standing ovation and the judges were in tears. They loved it."

Their Sister Act performance also took first place in the adult’s open genre, as well as most entertaining and was the adjudicator’s choice award.

All these achievements saw Dance Ranch finish second overall at the competition.

Tracey added: "They did fabulously. We’re just a small group, we rehearse in a church hall rather than a studio. When we told other groups that, they were amazed with how well we did. We’re a non-profit organisation, everything that we fundraise goes right back into the kids.

"Without raising these funds, a lot of these kids wouldn’t get to do what they do with us. A lot come from underprivileged backgrounds and wouldn’t have the opportunity to do this without the support of local people."

There was also personal success for Tracey as she was one of four generations in her family to perform, as grandson Buddy became the youngest ever competitor at just three years and three weeks old.

Buddy in his dalmatian costume (Image: Supplied)

Dance Ranch has been running for 29 years now and was set up by Tracey's mother, Teresa Guise.

And last week, the group continued its incredible story with performances that showcased just how successful you can be as an inclusive group, which doesn't discriminate by age, size, gender or disability.