A STAR IS BORN

Jodie RossYoung Merkincher, Jodie Ross, who recently participated in the prestigious World Disco Championship final in Slovenia, has returned home a winner. Jodie who lives with her family in Kilmuir Road may not have came in first, but she has done us all proud. Speaking from her daughter’s dance school, the Young School of Dancing, Mrs Young said: “Jodie and Hayley did outstandingly well” she added that “ They are both dedicated wee lassies and have done really terrific to get as far as they did.” Jodie, and dancing partner Hayley Gall, danced their way into the quarter finals, in an event that saw 256 children representing over 22 countries, so they were really up against it. Competing with countries as assorted as Czechoslovakia, America, Canada, Hungary and Norway, the Inverness girls made their mark, Mrs Young added : “With so many different nations taking part, our style was maybe too modern for some of them. Though the girls definitely got themselves noticed and not just by their disco dancing, but their outfits also saw some admiring glances, they were way ahead of some of the other dancers outfits.” The girls demanding regime may have slowed down for the summer, however, there is no stopping young Jodie who has just entered another competition, this time in Nairn Haven Holiday Homes on July 12th. Jodie came in first in this event and won a weekend holiday for 6. The holiday will be taken in October down in Wales where the Grand Finals are being held and we will see if Jodie represents Inverness & Nairn in November. And as Jodie’s Mum, Rozella, says: “No doubt Jodie will win this competition. I am keeping my fingers crossed”. Rozella also added that Jodie would like to take this opportunity to thank all her sponsors in the Merkinch area for their support and encouragement over the last couple of months, with special thanks going to: Sammy Lee; Rodgers; Alba Laundry; Eddie’s Mini Mart, Benula Road; Clach FC Club; Merkinch Arms; The Portland Club and Forbes Chemist and thanks also goes to Merkinch Enterprise for their story and kind help. We will keep all our readers informed on how Jodie fairs at the competition in October. But for now - you’re a star Jodie, we all know that you can dance your way into the Grand Finals.