National talent trophy for dance student

A Performing Arts student from Edge Hill University has danced her way to success after winning a prestigious national talent contest.

Hannah Binks, who is in her first year on the BA (Hons) Dance and Drama degree, impressed judges so much at the national Park Resorts talent show with her Irish dancing that she scooped the top prize.

The 19-year-old from Derbyshire beat off stiff competition from 1,400 hopefuls to take first place in the competition despite only entering for a ‘bit of fun' while on holiday with her parents. Watch Hannah's performance in this video.

"When my name was called out as the winner I couldn't believe it," said Hannah. "My family were all crying, it was such an emotional experience. At the time I felt like such an amateur because there were so many professional dancers there who had been doing it for years, I didn't think I was going to win at all and I was terrified when I was waiting for the results. To be honest though, I hate competitions, I love performing but I don't like the competitive side so it was strange for me.

"The experience was really good though and I got a lot of confidence from it. I've been told that I should feel proud and it is nice to be recognised because I worked hard on the routines under pressure."

Hannah only started learning to Irish dance two years ago after she went on holiday to Northern Ireland and loved the parades and everything about it. When she returned home she searched for a dance school that taught it.

She has progressed so much she now teaches Irish and other forms of dancing at the school where she learnt the moves herself and also performs to the elderly and disabled in the area.

As a result of winning the contest, she has also been invited to apply for a position to work at the holiday camp's ‘Kid's Club' during the summer holidays 2012.

Hannah said: "I love teaching and I'm definitely going to apply for a job with them in the summer because it will be so much fun. I know that I always loved joining the Kid's Club when I was younger so if I get the job it will be nice to pass on my skills to children who are willing to learn.

"My course at Edge Hill University is really helping me progress and I hope it will help me fulfil my ambitions to teach when I graduate because I want to be able to instil confidence into those around me to help them perform."