Strictly inspired Brentwood School dancer scoops two UK titles

Brentwood School Dance Scholar Nicholas Rashkov has gone from dancing along to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in his sitting room to becoming the 2019 British National Ballroom and Latin Juvenile Champion.

First Year Nicholas, and his dance partner Vytaute Mazionyte, took both UK titles at their fourth and last National Competition as Juveniles (Under 12s) in the auspicious setting of the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

It was the perfect stage for Nicholas, who turned 12 recently to end his Juvenile career as the winning partnership will now move up to the Junior (12 - 16 year) ranks. He explained: “When we won I felt relieved. I worked very hard for the Nationals and put in a lot of preparation so when we won I felt like it had all been worth it.

“We couldn't have dreamed for a better close to our Juvenile Career - becoming Ballroom and Latin Juvenile Champions 2019!”

Nicholas started dance classes when he was just six years old, having decided his after-school tennis club was not for him. “I liked dancing to the TV and Strictly and so my mum enrolled me at the Cha Cha School of Dance in Loughton. I nearly won my first competition within a month of starting.”

His dedication and determination is certainly paying off, he practices for four hours, three times a week, and still manages to complete all his homework. “I love performing and entertaining other people,” he explained.

Nicholas, whose favourite Ballroom dance is the Quick Step and favourite Latin dance, the Cha Cha, will continue to compete both nationally and internationally, representing England, and has now set his sights on winning the Under 14 UK and World Championships.

The dynamic dancing duo already have an impressive list of accomplishments including: UK Closed and Open U12 Ballroom Champions (Bournemouth, July 2019); UK Open and Closed Latin Vice Champions (Bournemouth, July 2019); Galaxy Classic Awards Winners 2019, and five times Team GB members representing England in international team matches. They also came 13th in October’s World Championships.

Nicholas is well on course to fulfil his dream of one day becoming a professional dancer and, who knows, before too long other youngsters may be inspired to put on their dancing shoes after watching him star on the TV show which sparked his interest!