Malakhi Best, performing, won first prize in a Royal Dance Academy competition

A STUDENT at City and Islington College has been crowned champion of a London-wide dance battle – despite being a total beginner.

Malakhi Best, aged 17, won the Royal Dance Academy competition, called Battle, pictured, on Saturday.

The student at the Goswell Road school took home the first prize in the “beginner” category, judged by dancers Bgirl Roxy, Chris Alozie and previous Battle winner, Caine Harrison.

Chief executive of the Royal Academy of Dance Tim Arthur said: “Step into Dance’s Battle event raises the roof every single year – and this year was no exception.

“What a delight it was to see so many young dancers from across London come together to celebrate the joy and wonder of dance. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this truly fantastic event.”