If anyone tries saying that dance is not a sport then they’ll have Nikki Coady to answer to.

Nikki, who set up Coady Dance Studios 20 years ago, is adamant that dance can be as competitive as football, rugby, cricket or any other sport.

As if to prove the point the CoadyCrew – the studio’s competitive dancers as opposed to the fun dancers – will be competing in the Great British Street Dance Championship in Watford on Sunday.

And anyone who thinks it will be a fun day out for the youngsters had better think again.

“It’s very competitive and very strict,” said Nikki. “Once the parents tell me they want their children to be part of the competitive CoadyCrew squad I warn them that it won’t be easy.

“I tell them right from the beginning that I don’t want any tears.”

Nikki’s tough love policy has certainly worked. She says she has lost count of the number of British champions she has had over the years but adds that she has had a world champion in solo or pairs every year since 2012.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Cheltenham, has about 400 members, aged from three to 40-plus, on her books and has bases at Prestbury, Charlton Kings, Bishop’s Cleeve and Warden Hill.

“We take part in competitions most Sundays,” she said. “The competitive side is so good for them. It makes them stronger mentally, physically and emotionally.

“I feel like I’m their mentor and adviser. Dance gives them confidence and there’s a great team spirit.”

Nikki, who specialises in street dance but also caters for ballet, tap and contemporary, has come a long way over the past two decades during which time such star names as The Wanted and FKA twigs, who is engaged to leading actor Robert Pattinson, were members of CoadyCrew.

So how did Nikki get into dance?

“I was a fitness instructor and my niece wanted a dance party and it all went from there,” she said.

Despite their success at past British Championships, Nikki isn’t taking anything for granted on Sunday. “The standard has gone mad,” she said, while still hoping to win a sackful of medals.

“It’s so important for youngsters to take part in sport... and dance is a sport.”