A TROUPE of young Oxford dancers has returned from an international competition with a haul of glittering trophies.

Thirteen teenagers from Flair Dance Studio strutted their stuff in the Norwegian capital Oslo in the International Dancestar 2011 event.

After a punishing three-day schedule, the group, which practises at St Gregory the Great School in Cricket Road, East Oxford, returned with more than 30 trophies.

Instructor Kelly Poulter, from Woodstock, said: “We were there from Friday to Sunday doing lots of different events.

“It was exhausting for the teachers, the parents and the dancers but it was all worth it and very enjoyable.”

The freestyle disco event – which incorporates a glamorous and energetic mixture of styles including ballet and gymnastics – attracts hundreds of competitors from all over Europe.

Miss Poulter, who led a larger group of more than 30 dancers to the event last year, said: “The standard is really high and last year there was a big difference between us and the Norwegians, who are very good.

“But this year two or three of our dancers did exceptionally well. We have really closed the gap and come on leaps and bounds.”

Among the high achievers were Anneisha Ximines who came third in the under-16 championship, Chanel Mullen who came fourth in the under-18 section and Madison McDonagh who blitzed her way to top spot in three under-eight events.

Madison, six, who dances four times a week, said she dreamed of being a professional dancer.

Anneisha, 14, from Cowley, said: “It was a really good event and I really enjoyed myself. I got further than I thought and was really surprised. It was tiring, but definitely worth it.”

Chanel, 16, from Blackbird Leys, said: “I didn’t get into any finals last year, but got into four this time.

“At the event the champions do solo spots and everybody stops and watches and learns from them. You get a lot out of it.”

Miss Poulter added: “It was very emotional seeing the dancers collect their trophies. There were lots of tears from the parents and kids.”