A WIDNES schoolgirl is celebrating after being hailed one of the top modern dancers in the country.

Emily Dunbar beat hundreds of hopefuls to reach the London final of the Imperial Society of Teachers (ISTD) of Dancing Janet Cram modern competition.

The 12-year-old has been training at the Karina Burns Dance Academy since she was three.

Her teacher Karina Burns, 36, from Upton Rocks, said: “Emily took part in a three hour audition learning different routines at an intense pace and then performed her solo.

“She was one of the few students to receive special recognition and was awarded with being the dancer with ‘most potential’ in the competition.”

The final was held at the Greenwood Theatre in London.

The Wade Deacon pupil enjoys performing all dance styles including modern, musical theatre, lyrical, ballet and commercial.

“She has her sights set on a career in dance through performing and teaching,” added Karina.