TEENAGE performers from Harrow have claimed a national Bollywood dance title for the second time in two years.

Eight girls aged between 12 and 14 from the Shri Academy Of Dance wowed the judges after appearing as the tenth and closing act of the final of LCUK National Dance Championships held at Fulham Town Hall in Fulham, west London, on Sunday February 27.

Academy director Rajeshri Sheth said: “I wouldn't say the girls were nervous but they were a little apprehensive, and when the winner was announced, they all sprung up in celebration. They were on Cloud Nine. They were ecstatic. We feel if win it again next year, it would be amazing to get the hat-trick.”

The winning team, who represented the north London region, were Bhavini Sheth, Payal Punja, Jaymini Hirani, Anjali Janani, Jeenali Shah, Karishma Haria, Karishma Patel and Reeya Patel.

Karishma Patel said: “We were so motivated before the competition. We knew we had achieved victory last year and wanted to give it our all to secure the champions title this year too so we went out there with all guns blazing. And voilà!”

They earned first prize with a routine set to four songs included the popular, and particularly peppy, Bollywood track 'Sheila Ki Jawani' and their enormous trophy now stands as pride of place at the troupe's studio in Streatfield Road, Harrow.

Mrs Sheth said: “Everybody was allocated up to 10 minutes to choreograph a piece and our piece had a variety of styles – a little of traditional and modern Bollywood, and street dancing. We had had several hours to put everything together. It was vibrant and colourful.

“The standard of the competition was higher than last year. A lot of teams were more professional than before and went all out to try to be the best.”