Whitley Bay teenager to represent UK at World Dance Championships in Cancun

A teenager from Whitley Bay is set to represent the UK at the World Dance Championships in Cancun. Zack Leach, 15, has been dancing since he was two, and he will now be heading to Mexico as a member of the Phoenix Boys.

Zack's dad, Matt Leach, has shared that his son has spent a large amount of time as the only boy amongst big groups of girls. Now, being part of a 12-strong all-male squad, who had success on Britain's Got Talent earlier this year, has made Zack feel like he fits in.

Zack, who attends Decote Dance Academy in North Shields, has also had success in the theatre, playing John Darling in the professionally staged Peter Pan pantomime at the New Tyne Theatre last Christmas. This year, he has danced in multiple productions, including West Side Story at the Theatre Royal and Footloose at the Whitley Bay Playhouse.

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Matt Leach said: "Zack has always loved to dance, and we have travelled across the country with him, to places like Manchester, Birmingham and London, so that he can be a part of the Phoenix Boys. He has been a member for over a year, and he now has this amazing opportunity to go to Mexico.

"Staff at Whitley Bay High School have been amazing with this and his theatre commitments, which he has loved doing, such as getting to fly around stage in Peter Pan. Zack is flying out next Wednesday, and the competition is the following weekend, and despite him being apprehensive, he is mostly really excited.

"We are immensely proud of Zack, he continues to overcome obstacles to follow his dreams, and we are proud that he has kept going and is now getting the rewards. We just want to say a thank you to everyone who has helped us get him there through our GoFundMe, all of us are very grateful."

Zack added: "I am absolutely thrilled to be invited to join the Phoenix Boys team for this exciting competition with dancers from all over the world. I will have to perform a solo dance, a duet and two ensemble pieces, and I can't wait to get started."