TWO dance teams swept to victory in their debut appearance at a borough-wide contest.

Key stage three and four students from Wanstead High School beat stern competition to seal first place in both their categories in Redbridge Dance Competition.

Their triumph comes despite the fact GCSE dance was not run at the school last year due to a lack of students choosing the subject.

Students from key stage three performed an acro-contemporary dance while key stage four dancers performed a carnival Afro-contemporary piece.

Bob Hamlyn, head teacher at the school said: “We are delighted by the success of our dancers. We are fully committed to dance and the performing arts here at Wanstead High School as evidenced by our participation, and success, in competitions like this.

“GCSE dance is being offered to students again this year, as it was last year, as part of our commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum.

“Unfortunately, last year not enough students chose to take dance as an option so we were unable to run it as a GCSE – but I hope we can do so this year”.

Each team won a trophy, medals and a certificate and will go on to represent Redbridge at the London Youth Games at the Copper Box Arena on March 13, 2018.

Redbridge Dance Competition took place on Wednesday, January 31 at Oaks Park High School in Newbury Park.