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World Champion dancer from Forgue says dancing for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee was a once in a lifetime experience


By Pat Scott

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A YOUNG woman from Forgue has described dancing in front of The Queen to celebrate her platinum jubilee as a once in a lifetime experience.

Michelle Gordon, (21) was the Junior World Champion in Highland Dancing in 2018.

The championship title earned Michelle recognition by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo dance company who invited her to a tattoo in Switzerland.

Invitations to dance all over the world have followed and she has joined the tattoo dance company in places as far away as Australia but the most recent invitation will always be held as the most special.

Michelle Gordon, third right, on stage in front of The Queen.
Michelle Gordon, third right, on stage in front of The Queen.

Michelle said: "I was invited by the dance director to the Queens Platinum Jubilee at Windsor Castle and then very privileged to be chosen to dance centre of the queen on the main stage.

"I feel very honoured to have been part of the 50 strong dance group. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

"The atmosphere of the show was amazing, the full house crowds every night were a joy to perform to. At the end of each show there was a real buzz."

The Queen and Prince Edward were in the audience for the final show but earlier performances were watched by Royals including Princess Beatrice, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Michelle Gordon, shows World Champion style in front of Windsor Castle.
Michelle Gordon, shows World Champion style in front of Windsor Castle.

To Michelle's delight, the show was compered by Tom Cruise but she also spotted celebrities Helen Mirren, Philip Schofield, Alan Titchmarsh, Omid Djalili, Katherine Jenkins and Martin Clunes in the audience.

Michelle, a pupil of the Brenda Gordon School of Dance added: "Dancing with cast members from all over the world was so special. It was the most thrilling and unforgettable show. We had five shows in total and I also danced in performances during the day in front of crowds who were very supportive."

As well as her Junior World Champion title, Michelle is a three times winner of the champion of champion title.

Recently crowned as world champion in 2018, Michelle Gordon led the parade by Huntly Pipe Band to mark their 70th anniversary.
Recently crowned as world champion in 2018, Michelle Gordon led the parade by Huntly Pipe Band to mark their 70th anniversary.

Earlier this year she danced at Murrayfield ahead of the Scotland v France six nations match.

She said: "I will be forever grateful for what Highland Dancing has brought to me, the opportunities it has opened up and the places I have visited to perform.

"I want to continue dancing competitively and in performances but also to pass my teachers and judges exam."

Huntly dancer, Brogan Martin was also a member of the dance company.

The show was televised by ITV and can still be viewed on the ITV player.


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