FRESH from setting the O2 Arena in London alight with his “electric boogie”, Kidlington dancer Louis Knott is now setting his sights on the world.

The 17-year-old Oxford and Cherwell Valley College student only started dancing two-and-a-half years ago.

But on May 20 he came third in the electric boogie class of the UK Hip Hop Championships in the capital, and in doing so has qualified to represent England in the World Championships in Germany in October.

“Electric boogie” is also known as “electric boogaloo”, a style of dance pioneered in the 1970s that is similar to bodypopping. The talented teen said: “I didn’t even qualify for the UKs last year, so to come third and qualify for the worlds is great.

“One guy told me he had been dancing for nine years, whereas I didn’t really start properly until a few years ago. But then I started with KC’s Dancing in Blackbird Leys and really got serious about it.

“I’m studying for a diploma in dance at college and all my spare time is taken up with dancing too. I’m addicted to it.”

He continued: “There’s a lot of pressure, but I am improving my confidence and that’s coming across in my dancing – my moves are cleaner and I’ve got much better creativity, and the judges are recognising that.”

Louis’s proud mum and dad Edna McIntyre and Moses Knott were there to see their son wow the judges in London and will be supporting him he when represents his country in October.

Ms McIntyre, who works in travel, said: “Louis got seriously interested in dancing about two years ago and hasn’t stopped dancing since.

“It is his passion and he is always practising – only really stopping to eat and sleep.

“We don’t really know where this talent has come from – it definitely isn’t me.

“We are so proud of him – all his dancing is freestyle and really quite amazing. It would be great to see how far he can get and hopefully we will get a sponsor soon to help him, as the cost of travel and equipment is quite high. But dancing is his life.”

Louis added: “The world championships are massive, but I will be practising really hard until then, coming up with some original material.

“When I turn 18 in November I want it to be as world champion.”