WATCH: Saltcoats teen shows judges she is hip-hop dancing star

Carlie McBlane, 13, has reached the top 12 in all seven of the competitions she has entered during lockdown.

The St Matthew’s Academy pupil also came first in her solo category at the United Dance Organisation’s Street Dance world qualifying competition.

Carlie’s mum, Ashley Fisher said: “That was the biggest achievement, that’s what she has been working towards.”

Carlie has been going to classes with Saltcoats’ Dance Mafia since she was nine-years-old, and has a particular passion and talent for hip-hop.

Carlie and Grabrielle.

Because of coronavirus, she went from attending dance classes five days a week to having to organise it herself.

Thanks to what her mum said is Carlie’s main strength, her dedication, lockdown has proven to be an amazing opportunity.

Ashley said: “Carlie is so committed to her dancing, she’s always there on time, hates missing class and during lockdown she has been keeping it going herself.”

She has been working on her moves and keeping up her fitness anywhere and everywhere she can including her back-door studio, down on the beach and in friends’ gardens.

The results speak for themselves: Carlie reached the top 12 in the UDO IT Dance Foundation’s online solo competition, which saw dancers representing schools from all over the country take part.

She also placed third in the UK Street Dance Challenge 14 and under beginner category.

And a dance video shot for an entry into a national competition, For the Love of Battle, has been watched 1,400 times.

In it, Carlie performs with fellow Saltcoats’ Dance Mafia pupil Gabrielle.

Ashley said: “Gabrielle has helped Carlie with her confidence, she’s a good mentor for her, she looks up to her.”

Carlie also dances alongside her cousin Ashlyn. The pair qualified together for the UDO Worlds in the duo under 16s category - and this was the first time they had danced together in a competition.

It’s not only her fellow dancers but also her mum Ashley and step-dad Martin who have helped Carlie achieve her success. Including driving her to her five classes a week and competitions twice a month.

Ashley said: “We never ever miss competitions. I’ve realised since lockdown how much dancing is my life too.”

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the UDO Worlds will be virtual.

Ashley said: “It has been heart-breaking, not just for Carlie, but the whole of Dance Mafia. All the dance teams qualified.”

But Carlie’s qualifying place will be carried over til next year.

Her mum said: “I am so proud, it makes me so happy.

“She is so quietly confident and humble. She never believes it when she wins something. She’s in absolute shock.”