Beauty queen wins dance injury pay-out
A BEAUTY queen has been awarded a “five-figure sum” from her former college after she suffered concussion, whiplash and spinal injuries in a freak dancing accident.
James Hore
A BEAUTY queen has been awarded a “five-figure sum” from her former college after she suffered concussion, whiplash and spinal injuries in a freak dancing accident.
Joanna Peagram, a professional model and current holder of the Miss East Anglia title, was injured during a “Stomp” dance class at Colchester Institute.
The 18-year-old was instructed to run onto a wooden plank which was supported by a line of moving poles, but it “flipped up” and threw her to the floor during the class which used everyday items including dustbins.
The injuries suffered by Miss Peagram, who lives in Frinton, forced her to give up on her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
However, she has successfully taken The Institute to Colchester County Court where it was alleged the college had failed to take proper care for her health and safety in the 2005 dance class.
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She was successful following a recent trial and has been awarded a “modest” payout, confirmed only as a “five-figure sum”.
The former performing arts student, now 22, said the claim had not been about money, but ensuring there was not a repeat of what she went through.
She said: “There were days when I couldn't imagine what I would be doing with my life if I couldn't dance, because that was all that I had ever done since the age of three.
“I pursued the claim on principle, because I wanted to ensure that the health and safety of dance students is given greater consideration in the future.”
Miss Peagram went on to complete her performing arts diploma, achieving a triple distinction, despite needing intensive physiotherapy and other medical support.
She was unemployed for 18 months during rehabilitation but succeeded in rebuilding her confidence through working as a holiday camp entertainer and cabaret artist.
Her career took off when she was crowned Miss East Anglia last year which led to national TV appearances.
Last night a spokeswoman for Colchester Institute said: “At this time the college does not wish to comment any further on the matter.”
