LILLIE COATES

ACROPAD ATHLETE

Rachel Coad School of Dance

MEET LILLIE: Hi, my name is Lillie, I am 17 years old. I started dancing and gymnastics at the age of 4 and have had a love for Acro ever since. Acro is one of my main strengths, it is an area where I love to push myself physically as well as mentally, I love being able to challenge myself with learning new tricks and the feeling I get when I succeed is second to none. As well as Acro I also do Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Commercial and Musical Theatre, my favourite being contemporary. When I first started dance I only did Ballet but my mum decided to take me out of dance and put me into gymnastics because I was always swinging and climbing on the ballet bars. I then found my love for artistic gymnastics which I did for 11 years where I competed getting to national level grades. Unfortunately due to my GCSE's I had to stop gymnastics to concentrate on school. I have now joined a tumbling and trampolining club which I absolutely love. I joined back dancing when I was 6 years old starting with Ballet, Tap, Modern and Acro. When I was 9 I dislocated my knee and hip which gave me a massive set back but I found ways around my injuries to continue doing what I love. I am now in my 2nd year at The Worx Academy where I am completing a level 3 BTEC, extended diploma in performing arts, dance. I hope to go off to dance college this September to continue my training to become a professional dancer.

WHAT'S IN YOUR DANCE BAG: In my dance bag you will always find body sprays, deodorants, Bloch sox, extra dance wear and all my hair stuff including hair brush, hair spray, combs, bun nets and bun grips.

FAVE ACRO MOVE: My favourite acro trick at the moment will have to be a back layout. My favourite combination of tricks would have to be a flick to front support leading into a headspring to stand, free walkover, flick, flick finishes with a straight 1/2 twist.

WHO IS YOUR HERO: I don't have a specific hero but I will always be thankful for the support I have received from all of my dance teachers at Rachel Coad School of Dance. Without all of there help and support I wouldn't have been able to get to where I am today.

ON MY REST DAY: My rest days mainly consist of making sure I am up to date on my course work and going out for walks in the country with my family and dogs.