Imogen Collom is taking the world by storm.
At the tender age of 13, the outstanding dancer has already scooped a clutch of major European championships while this weekend, she’ll be heading to the Blackpool Winter Gardens to compete in the World Freestyle Championships.
“We always knew that Imogen loved dancing and seemed to have a natural talent. But this year things have taken off in a way we never imagined,” said Imogen’s aunt, Stacey Amos.
“She’s training six days a week and competes every weekend and at the moment, the only night she has off is Thursdays. But she’s so down-to-earth and is taking everything in her stride so incredibly well.”
Imogen started attending her first dance class when she was just three years old at the Amman Valley School of Dance where was introduced to a wide range of styles including ballet, tap, modern, freestyle, street and line.
She now studies freestyle at the Inspire Arts Academy in Penybanc and line dancing with private teacher Leah Powell as well as at L.S. Dance in Penclawdd.
Earlier this year she was chosen as an Ambassador for the bespoke dance costume designer Pose Freestyle Design.
“Possibly the reason she’s doing so well is because she started at such a young age,” continued Stacey. “She’s able to adapt to new routines and just seems to soak it all up.”
But what makes Imogen’s talent even more outstanding is the way in which she can share her experiences with the other dancers around her.
“This is what the judges are looking for in a top quality dancer,” explained Stacey.
“They want a good all-rounder. And Imogen is regularly seen chatting to other children, taking them under her wing and doing all she can to encourage them.
"The other day I heard her telling a little girl that it doesn’t matter if she’s first, seventh or recalled. All she wants to do is dance to the best of her abilities.”
And given her impressive lists of championships, it looks as if Imogen is well on the way to achieving her goal.
“Her dream is to become a performer in the West End but despite all this, she’s determined to stay on in school (Ysgol Dyffryn Amman) until she finishes her A’ levels," said Stacey.
"And then we’ll just have to wait see what the future brings.”
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