Unlucky Avril misses out on final place

Sheffield teenager Avril Jex impressed judges with her electrifying moves in the semi-final of a national freestyle dance competition.

The 17-year-old treated the audience to a host of tricks, spins and moves in the under 18 freestyle championships at Synergy Superclub in Rotherham.

The Sheffield High School pupil impressed the panel – which included previous champion Antony Bayou – in a nail-biting dance-off, but narrowly missed out on a place in the Maoam Dance Mayhem grand final in October.

Afterwards she said it had not put her off trying again next year.

Avril, from Wales, said: “This has been such an amazing experience and I will definitely audition again next year.

“I am so proud to have got this far, especially as the level of competition is so high.

“There are some really talented dancers in this competition and I wish them all the best of luck for the final.”