Joey Chesterton, a dance student at Dance Your Way in Ross-on-Wye, is being called Herefordshire’s own ‘Billy Elliot’ by Sunshine Radio after winning two awards at the 4th annual Sunshine Pride Awards, held on October 25th, 2018.

He won his category as Young Achiever, and then at the end of the evening was chosen by the judges as the Overall Winner of Sunshine Pride 2018. His story is a long journey of courage, determination, passion, hope and inspiration.

Joey has overcome what his family describe as ‘many stumbling blocks in his life’ to pursue his passion for dance. His family told the Ross Gazette: “From his own disabilities, to bullying, and a painfully difficult home life – he has risen above it all and become a beacon of hope and inspiration to others, both young and old.”

Joey has dyslexia and recall issues and 6 years ago, his mother took him to a dance studio where he met dance teacher, Miranda de Barra. She could see he had some serious issues to overcome. She told the Ross Gazette: “He had almost no rhythm, he could not hear or move to any beat of music and showed very poor co-ordination. He had great difficulty in following basic instruction and could not remember short sequences and struggled to perform simple moves.

Miranda found that she had to develop a very unique way of communicating with him to maximise his ability to learn. Over time, it worked, and before long he was winning and placing at competitions, and achieving high marks in his exams.

Joey was bullied from a young age for dancing. Dance was his haven and refuge. Joey’s family told the Ross Gazette that even his close friends would mock him, ostracise him, and he would be left sitting alone the playground. He was verbally and physically abused for a long time.

They said: “Joey tried to change his personality to fit in and make himself feel more normal. He felt annoyed because he didn’t feel accepted for who he was. He would try other things like football or rugby but didn’t like them and even then he would still be teased and left out.”

But Joey’s achievements continued to increase. The greatest success came when in August, 2018, Miranda entered Dance Your Way to parade a Samba in the Ross Town Carnival. Joey’s mum bought him a Samba outfit to wear, but Miranda and Joey both hated the top.

Miranda recalls how she said: “Tell him not to wear that horrible thing. He can walk topless. In case it rains, bring a towel. And he can wear body paint.” Miranda told the Ross Gazette that Joey’s face lit up with delight at this idea.

Joey walked at the front, leading the school alongside his dance partner, Angharad Stemp, dressed as a showgirl. Miranda said: “Joey knew that here, in his hometown, all of his bullies would be at the Carnival. Before they all set off he said ‘I don’t care about those bullies anymore. I hope they see me. They’ll be jealous.’ He called it his ‘this is me’ moment.

He truly felt he had come a full circle and was stepping out into his true self.”

Shortly after the Carnival, Miranda was able to present Joey with his International Dance Teacher’s Association double Bronze medal with 94% Honours in Ballroom and a particular commendation from the examiner for his skill in Foxtrot – the most difficult Ballroom dance for timing and rhythm.

His mum, Michele, nominated him for the Sunshine Radio Pride awards in the Young Achiever category. He won, and was awarded the honour of being chosen as the Overall Winner of the Sunshine Pride Awards 2018 in recognition of all he has overcome and achieved.

Joey is now an inspiration and leading light to all the younger male dancers at Dance Your Way. Not so long ago, he was inspired by dancers around the world he’d never met or seen who sent him messages of encouragement to keep dancing. But now he is the one dancing beside these boys in person as an example of living your courage, living your truth and following your dreams.

Miranda said: “The future looks bright for him and anyone lucky enough to meet him will not fail to be moved by his gentleness, kindness and, if they’re very lucky, his devilish smile.

“He has become an inspiration to others. His story is truly an inspirational one.”See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here