Mia Linnik-Holden and Andrei Toader: vice-champions at Blackpool Dance Festival 2021

Middleton dance champions Mia Linnik-Holden and Andrei Toader have proved that hard work truly pays off, as the pair have landed two vice-champion titles at the Blackpool Dance Festival 2021.

The duo placed second in Amateur Rising Star Ballroom as well as placing second in the Youth U21 Ballroom category, 16 months since their last festival.

Last time they danced at Blackpool, they narrowly missed out on the U21 Youth Ballroom final and the Amateur Rising Star Ballroom semi-final by just three and two marks, respectively.
 

Read more: Mia Linnik-Holden and Andrei Toader at the Blackpool Dance FestivalPublished: 01 June 2019

This year, Mia, 18, and Andrei, 19, also placed 15th in British Amateur Open Ballroom.

They said: “There are truly no words to describe the feeling being back in this beautiful ballroom, the moment which we have been waiting for nearly two years.

“So many emotions during this fabulous festival; we are both super happy and proud that our hard work over this difficult time has paid off.

“We want to say a huge thank you: first of all to our families, as it could never be possible without your support and dedication.

“Secondly to our coaches and teachers for your constant belief in us and valuable information and lessons you have taught us.

“Also a massive thank you to our sponsors for always making us look the best, and enhancing our performance.”

Mia and Andrei have rapidly gone from strength to strength over the years, and have continued to top the dance scene since rising to the youth ranks in 2018.

They first became junior world champions after their partnership began in May 2015, racking up numerous titles in both the junior ballroom and Latin ranks.

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.