A girl has been named Pupil of the Year at her dance school, overcoming her blindness. Katy Orr, who studies tap, disco and musical theatre dance, lost her sight at the age of three, but has overcome her disability to claim Pupil of the Year at the Karalyn Bell School of Dance in Troon. Katy’s mother Lindsay told The Daily Record how her family were so proud of the brave eight-year-old who faces her daily challenges with a smile: “Katy had been such a confident child and after it happened her confidence took a dip. But she brushed herself down and got on with it. “She didn’t know any different, so she got used to it. She is an absolute star and never complains about anything.” Katy joined the dance school when she was four, after her mum recognised her daughter’s love of music and dancing: “She just loved it and Karalyn was fantastic with her – and she’s been there ever since. Katy does tap and disco and has now taken up musical theatre. “Karalyn taught her the names of steps, so she follows the instructions. When Karalyn says things like, ‘step ball change’, she does it automatically. She gets into the beat of the music and seems to be able to figure it out even though she can’t see anyone to copy the steps.” Katy has been able to pick up the beat from the music vibrations through the floor, and listening intently to the music. Katy lost her sight when a virus damaged her optic nerves and left her with only slight peripheral vision. Despite the difficulties and mental challenges facing Katy after she lost her sight, the eight year old now hopes to be a Paralympian. Mum Lindsay added: “She says maybe she’ll be a runner or a cyclist. Katy’s personality will see her through. She is such an extrovert and it will carry her through this. “I was so proud when she was awarded a shield for being Pupil of the Year at the summer show.” Story via The Daily Record