'A phenomenal achievement': Dudley dance team win world silver medal in Florida

A dance team in Dudley have won a world silver medal in Florida in what is a “phenomenal achievement”.

Seven young girls, aged between six and 10, made up the winning Mini Lyrical dance team called ‘XO’ who won the medal at the All Star World Championship in Orlando in April.

The dance team is part of Entity-X-Majors, a cheer and dance academy based on Pensnett Trading Estate in Dudley at Studio X.

The winning routine was choreographed and coached by head coach Karina Boyden, who is currently six-months pregnant, and coach Lailah-Rae Rivers-Boyden.

The team trained tirelessly over nine months leading up to the World Championship - showing their remarkable commitment and passion at such a young age

The girls competed at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida on Friday 17 April.

They performed in the semi-finals advancing into the finals in second place and proudly walked away with the silver medal following their final performance.

The seven girls who were part of the wining team are Skye Guest, aged 10, Skye Baker, aged 9, Haylie-May Breakwell, aged 9, Kara Houghton, aged 9, Molly Hemming, aged 9, Jessica-Beau Wright, aged 7, and Imogen Savory, aged 6.

A parent of one of the athletes in the team said the team were only 0.58 points away from the gold medal position and “it is an absolutely phenomenal achievement and something to be very proud of”.

The parent added: “Simply qualifying for and attending this global competition is an extraordinary accomplishment, but the girls went even further than anyone could have imagined.

“To be named World Silver Medalists at such a prestigious event is an outstanding achievement and a moment of immense pride for their families, coaches, and the wider community.”