British champion dancer aiming to be strictly the best in the world

A local dancer is preparing to take on a world championships, having already become British champion for his age group.

Luke Miller, 19 of Costessey and his dance partner Laura Robinson, 18 of Cambridge, waltzed away from a national competition in Blackpool as U21 Latin dance champions.

The pair are now set to compete in the World U21 Championships, held at Disneyland in Paris. Mr Miller said: 'It was such a great experience to compete in the Blackpool National Dance Championships, at both under 21 and amateur level. Even at under 21 level we were competing against people who were older and us and needless to say, the dancers we competed against didn't like us very much – but I'm happy with that!'

The pair emerged as eventual victors at under 21 level, but also finished in the top six of the amateur competition, which saw competitors of all ages take part.

Dance is something that runs in Mr Miller's family; his parents run the Miller Dance Studios in Norwich.

He added: 'I have been dancing since a very young age. I started dancing at around two or three years old and by the age of five I started Latin and Ballroom dancing.

'My ambition now is to go on to be World Champion and become a professional. Laura shares the same ambition, which is why I think we work so well as a team. We have only been dancing together for around 18 months, but we are both working towards the same goals.'

The pair are now preparing for the world championships with a rigorous training regime, which involves two hours of practice every day.

Do you a success story for Local Life? Contact David Hannant on 01603 693892.