Teenage dancers from across Oxfordshire skipped and twirled their way to victory in a prestigious competition.

Members of Wallingford-based Dance Connection were crowned this year’s regional winners at the Can You Dance contest in London.

Hundreds of dance afficionados attended the event where a panel of judges, made up of well-known dancers and choreographers, picked the champions.

Following their success in the capital, youngsters from the troupe can now focus on their next challenge – representing Greater London in the grand finals at a Super Convention in Liverpool in October.

They will be facing off against other dance schools from across the UK and performing in front of thousands of people for the opportunity to be crowned national champions.

The dancers' victory followed a period of uncertainty for their group.

In 2013 the future of the group, and its 350 young dancers, fell under threat

Before moving to Wallingford, the company occupied a complex of four studios at Oxford Stadium in Sandy Lane, Cowley.

Following the closure of the stadium in December 2012, it was one of the last organisations to move its facilities after a turbulent scramble for a new training centre.

Seven years on, Dance Connection has celebrated its 25th anniversary and is enjoying national recognition.

Most recently the troupe performed alongside Strictly professionals Neil and Katya Jones at London's Sadler’s Wells.

The group’s winning piece was choreographed by Ainsley Ricketts who recently appeared on The Greatest Dancer on BBC1.

The artistic director of the Wallingford company, Leah Pearcy said about their future: “We have a very exciting year ahead as dancers are currently preparing for their main stage performance at Move It, held at London’s Excel Arena.”

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Ms Pearcy said the dancers needed to perform at their highest standard as coordinators from Team GB Performing Arts are currently scouting across the country for a team of elite dancers to represent Great Britain at European and world championship events.

One dancer Bella Barter, 11, was delighted with the group’s achievement. She said: “We could not believe it when we were announced the winners.

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“The competition had so many incredible schools competing and it was very nerve-wracking.

“I am very excited about the finals in October. The best part is being with my Dance Connection family for the entire weekend, taking classes with incredible teachers and dancing in the grand finals with my best dance friends.”

A spokesperson from Can You Dance said the aim of the competition was to support, nurture and inspire the next generation of dancers and offer unique opportunities to youngsters across the UK."

Dance Connections is based on Bushells Business Park, Wallingford. For details, go to dance-connection.co.uk.