UK gold medal for Filton dance team
A Filton based performance group is celebrating after being crowned national champions in April.
North Bristol Independent Colour Guard is a dance group with members whose ages range from 7 to 15.
They compete in the WGUK (Winterguard United Kingdom) circuit where performers combine dance with the skilful use of flags and other equipment to create spectacular routines.
Following an undefeated season of competition, the ensemble took home the gold medal at the WGUK finals in Worcester after earning a personal best score of 85.9 for their stunning production Moon River.
The group competed across the country between January and March, including in Staffordshire, Essex and Brighton.
Guard director Bridget Coulter said, “This season has been an absolutely incredible journey for all of these young performers.
“Winning all four of their competitions and then finishing with a gold medal at the national championships is a massive achievement.”
The group started up in 2019, rehearsing in the 1st Filton Scouts Hall in Nutfield Grove.
After an enforced break due to the Covid pandemic in 2020, it has steadily built up its membership and now also runs a second group for older children, many of whom are local Filton residents.
The team have close links with Shield Road School in Filton where they now rehearse.
Eleven-year old Guard captain Joni Quarrie is a pupil at the school and this year celebrated reaching her five year service milestone.
She said: “I’ve seen the group grow so much over the years and I’m incredibly proud of everyone.
“To walk away with a gold medal and my five year badge is a memory I’ll keep forever.”
North Bristol Independent are also extremely grateful to Filton Town Council for their support with a grant.
They will be performing at the Filton Festival in July.
The group are now recruiting new members for next season.
To find out more, text/call/WhatsApp Bridget on 07889 409012 or search for North Bristol Independent Colour Guard on Facebook.