Meet the Glasgow dance instructor inspiring her community - at age 12

“Dancing is good for you, so I want to encourage lots more people to do it,” says the inspirational 12-year-old.

“When I was wee I went to dance classes with my pals, and I loved it, and I wanted to teach other people.”

Georgia adds: “So I started doing it out the back of my house. The first time, there were about five of us, but the second time, more than 20 people turned up….”

(Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Word spread fast, and soon, Shawn Fernandez and his mother Malar Jayhindaran, who run Springburn Unity Network, got wind of Georgia’s mini-dance school.

“Shawn and Malar said I could do it in the centre, which was great because it meant we had a safe space to dance,” says Georgia, aka Gina G.

“It’s really good when someone who doesn’t get involved at first gets more confident.”

Georgia is in the running for the Little Champion of the Year title at the 2024 Glasgow Community Champion Awards, organised by the Glasgow Times in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust and St Enoch Centre. After a public vote, she has made it through to the grand final at Glasgow City Chambers on December 4.

Georgia Shaw (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

“I’m really excited about it,” she says. “I can’t believe it.”

Every Saturday, between 11.30 and 1.30pm, Georgia puts young dancers through their paces at the completely free class which concentrates on hip hop, lyrical (“it’s all legs and emotions,” she explains, matter-of-factly) and freestyle.

These are Georgia’s particular areas of expertise – she is a champion dancer herself, as a member of LDC school of dance. Recently, she picked up a batch of prizes at the prestigious Evolution competition in Wishaw.

“My teacher is Nicole Love and she is amazing,” says Georgia.

“I just love dancing, I love moving to the music and the beat and I like going to competitions.” She pauses, adding with a grin: “And I like winning big trophies.”

Georgia Shaw (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Georgia’s mum, Claire Nisbet – who is volunteer co-ordinator for another Glasgow Community Champion Awards finalist, the charity Possobilities - said it had been remarkable to watch her daughter’s class grow in numbers.

“We live in a tenement, so Georgia was out dancing in the back court in the summer holidays, and everyone just got involved,” she says.

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“They put on shows for the neighbours, so Georgia was doing hair and make-up, they put it on Instagram – it was brilliant.”

Claire adds: “There have been so many friendships that have come out of this, it’s lovely. And while not everyone’s first language is English, they all know exactly how to communicate through the music and dancing. It’s amazing to watch.”

Shawn, of SUN, who nominated Georgia for the award, said that the 12-year-old’s dedication has had a significant impact on the Springburn community.

He said: “She has successfully united children from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful friendships and strengthening social connections.

“Through her guidance, Georgia has helped many children discover and nurture their unique interests and talents, creating a supportive environment that encourages self-expression and personal growth.”

He added: “By bridging cultural gaps and bringing children together through the joy of dance, Georgia is making a lasting difference in their lives, helping to cultivate a sense of community and belonging while inspiring the next generation of dancers.”

Georgia in action (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Georgia, who lives in Springburn with mum Claire, dad Marc and wee brother, also Marc, has just started first year at Springburn Academy,  but she has already set her sights on studying dance at college and a career in the industry once she graduates.

“I’d love to be a backing dancer for some of the big acts,” she explains. “Getting to dance college first is my focus.”

One of Springburn Unity Network’s main goals is to encourage integration and tackle social marginalisation and loneliness, especially among those new to North Glasgow.

For Georgia, it’s important her classes are inclusive, she says.

“There are people of all different cultures living here and some children have had to flee their own homes and countries so it’s good that they can come here and be part of our community through dance,” adds Georgia.

She thinks for a moment.

“It’s also good that people can feel better by dancing,” she adds.

“I know if I have any problems, I’d speak to my mum first of all, but then I know that dancing will make me feel better too.”

She smiles brightly: “So I want to help other children who might be a bit down, feel happy by dancing.”