TWINKLE-TOED young performers from two Swindon dance schools scooped top trophies at the Dance World Cup in Romania.

Youngsters from the Swindon Academy Of Dance and the Gemma Short School Of Dance And Theatre Arts put on stellar performances at the week-long competition, held in the Romanian capital, Bucharest.

And they brought home an impressive haul of medals from the competition which showcases the best of young dance talent in the world.

Swindon Academy Of Dance’s 46 students won more than 110 medals. The pupils took first place in nine categories, which gives them automatic entry into next year’s finals.

Principal Sarah Watson said: “The atmosphere was tremendous, with everyone donning their England flags and singing the national anthem.

“It was a huge honour for Swindon Academy Of Dance to be part of such a prestigious event.”

The dancers raised the money themselves to pay for the week-long trip to Romania through a series of bag packing sessions, dance shows, cake sales and a sponsored Ride To Romania event on static electric bikes.

And Sarah said she was delighted the dancers’ dedication had paid off.

“I’m so proud of all my team,” she said.

“This is the highlight of the dance year and everyone has worked so hard to get to Romania from fundraising to doing extra practice," she said.

“They have trained so hard to get to Romania and were constantly in the rehearsal studios when they got to the competition - they are dedicated, disciplined dancers - I am proud of each and every one of them.”

The week of success for Swindon dancers continued with Gemma Short pupils and tap dance duo Scarlet Roche, 13 and Sophie Powell, 12, awarded a silver medal in the children’s tap duet and trio section.

Scarlet also won a silver medal for her children’s modern solo performance and a gold medal and coveted world champion status for her song and dance solo to Naughty, from Matilda.

Gemma Short, principal at the Victoria Road-based school, said: “It was a fantastic experience for the girls and myself and we feel so proud and privileged to be part of Team England.

“The girls are so dedicated and for their age they have come so far. To win medals surrounded by their friends and family on a world stage is fantastic. They have done us all proud."

and if they had stage fright they didn’t show it.”

Team England won the Dance World Cup overall, with next year’s dance competition due to be held in Jersey.