Mia Linnik-Holden and Andrei Toader: U16 Ballroom World Champions

Mia Linnik-Holden: U16 Ballroom World Champion

Middleton sensations Mia Linnik-Holden and Andrei Toader have danced their way to become the world U16 Ballroom Champions at the World Dance Nationals at Disneyland Paris.

Aged just 14 and 15, the dedicated duo scored first place during the December finals for their waltz, tango and foxtrot, beating couples from Ukraine, Russia and Iceland to the coveted title.

Mia’s mum, Maxine Holden said: “What an incredible achievement. Thank you Andrei for being such a wonderful partner - we love you loads and are looking forward to watching you and Mia have continued success.”

Andrei, who lives with Mia’s family, commented: “Words can not explain how happy I am.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us, our amazing coaches, sponsors, family, and our amazing friends - we love you all so much. The biggest thank you goes to my amazing partner Mia, I couldn’t have done it without you.”

The only British couple in the penultimate stage, Mia and Andrei also placed an impressive 11th following a “very tough” semi-final in the U16 Junior Latin. Last year, they were ranked 13th in both the World U16 Latin and Ballroom categories, and were amongst the top 10 worldwide in the U19 Ballroom dance.

The talented teens, who are supported by Middleton Rotary Club, have taken the dancing world by storm since their partnership began in May 2015 and have less than 12 months left to perform as juniors.

Mia and Andrei have racked up the titles this year, including retaining their champion statuses for the second year running at both the British Nationals and the North of England Junior Ballroom Championships, and placing as vice champions at the UK Closed Championships.

Mia began dancing at the age of six after asking her parents for lessons, and Andrei, who is originally from Romania, started dancing at the age of three.