The founder of a Latin dance group which wowed TV talent show judges said taking part in the show was a “dream come true” for its members.
Newbridge-based KLA reached the final three in the BBC talent show The Greatest Dancer, which was won by Scottish teenager Ellie Ferguson.
KLA, which is made up of eight girls aged between nine and 11, performed twice during the final on Saturday, February 23.
The group also danced alongside their dance mentor, Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse, who also mentored the winning dancer.
One of the group’s founders, Amy Booth said: “It was a dream come true.
“They couldn’t believe they were dancing with Oti. I think that was when it really sunk in for them.”
Today I stand here a proud dance captain more than I’ve ever been. @KLADance my baby machines for pushing yourselves week after week and seeing what hardwork brings AND to the WINNER of the @GreatDancerTV @ellie_fergusson YOU ARE DESERVING, YOU ARE OUTSTANDING AND YOU DID IT!!!!
— Oti Mabuse (@OtiMabuse) February 23, 2019
Ms Booth, from Maesycwmmer, added: It was absolutely brilliant. We never thought we would get this far.
“In the first audition, the girls didn’t even think the mirrors would open for them. It was incredible.
“The girls can’t wait to tell everyone in school about their experience – it met all their expectations.”
Ms Booth added: “The community has been incredible. Local businesses, dance schools. Everyone has got behind us.
Good luck tonight!! @KLADance do the valleys proud! @BBCOne #TheGreatestDancer
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) February 23, 2019
“It’s something we will all treasure forever.”
The group, which is made up of Clara, Ariella, Ava, Izzie, Nellie, Halle-Mai, Emily and Hannah, was founded in 2015 by Ms Booth and fellow-Latin formation dancers Kristie White and Laura Carpenter.
The first series of The Greatest Dancer, which was aired on BBC One, was created by Simon Cowell’s production company, Syco.
The series, which also featured former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl and American dancer Matthew Morrison as dance mentors, has been renewed for a second season.
KLA were competing for the chance to win £50,000 and perform on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ms Booth told Caerphilly Observer: “The girls are really excited for Ellie. I think they would have been excited for whoever had won.
“We have a lot of upcoming competitions so we’ll be training hard for those. But who knows what the future will hold for KLA?”