Making great strides against the odds (From Oxford Mail)

Making great strides against the odds

12:00pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Oxford

WHEN CHELSEA Dancer was five she was diagnosed with a debilitating hip condition which limited her movements.

Now, following physiotherapy, the 11-year-old from Kidlington, is making great strides in the dance world.

And bosses at Oxfordshire-based Flair Dance Studio are so impressed they have agreed to fund her lessons for a year.

Chelsea’s mum Lisa Dancer, 33, from Croxford Gardens, Kidlington, said: “When Chelsea was five she was diagnosed with Perthes Disease, which meant she couldn’t put any weight on her right hip.

“But when she was nine she was given the all-clear and started entering some dance competitions.

“Chelsea got this award at a dance competition in Kidlington before Christmas.

“She dances with Flair three times a week at the Oxford Academy so the award is probably worth about £60 a month. She has won some freestyle dance contests already and is doing really well.”

Gosford Hill School pupil Chelsea added: “It’s great to get this award – I really love dancing.”

Principal of Flair Dance Studio Kelly-Jayne Poulter said: “We give a scholarship every year to one of my dancers – it’s very difficult to choose but Chelsea works really hard and deserves this.”