Former resident of Freckleton Drive in Bury, and pupil of Taskers Dance School, Beverley Cayton-Tang has become the Canadian Amateur Ballroom Champion.

Beverley and her husband Robert became Canadian champions on April 6 in Toronto, Ontario.

More than 35 teams from across Canada competed in the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep.

Held at the Toronto Airport Constellation Hotel, this was the first time in over four years that the championship was held in Toronto.

Beverley moved to Canada with her family in 1975. Her father, Derek,

belonged to the Lancashire Constabulary for 25 years and after retiring from the force decided to move to Canada to be closer to relatives.

Taskers Dance School gave Beverley her introduction into ballroom dancing and when she moved to Canada, she continued her training to go on and become Provincial champion 11 times, and now Canadian Champion.

Ballroom dancing or "Dance Sport" is a game of strategy, endurance and skill that requires years of athletic training, coaching and dedication.

The International Olympic Committee recently announced that it had awarded provisional IOC-Recognition to Ballroom Dancing, which is a major first step towards having the sport included as an Olympic event.

"I am proud and excited that we have won the Canadian Championship, and have many memories of Taskers where I received my early training," Beverley told the Journal via its Internet system.

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