Dance teacher Emily Waddell has a spring in her step after winning a national award for her babyballet classes.

The 22-year-old has been named as the most outstanding activity leader for under-fives in the south of England in the International What’s On 4 Junior Awards.

Emily started with the babyballet franchise as a ‘Saturday girl’ three years ago but now runs several classes five days a week, including sessions at St Mary’s Church Hall in Greenhithe and Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium.

She was nominated by parents of children she teaches and was one of five finalists from more than 100 nominees in her category.

The awards recognise individuals and companies who provide the best activities, classes, days out and parties for young families. More than 90,000 votes were cast across all categories.

Emily, who has been dancing since she was three, was presented with her award at Drayton Manor Hotel in Staffordshire.

She hopes to run her own babyballet franchise.

“Our classes aren’t just fun, they help develop children’s bodies and brains,” she said.

“I love to see the look on youngsters’ faces during classes and I’m elated that parents have so much faith in me.”

Also at the presentation was her boss, Jessie Lilley, who said Emily was a fantastic teacher.

She said: “She has had some amazing comments on Facebook from parents. We are all really proud of her and she has a bright future in the teaching world.” Babyballet is an award-winning national dance academy set up 10 years ago in Yorkshire.

Classes allow toddlers and young children to enjoy the physical and social benefits of ballet, song and dance by developing co-ordination, balance, posture and rhythm and building confidence and social skills.

There are 70 franchisees running more than 3,000 classes for more than 11,000 youngsters.