DANCING clicks with Mimika Cooney. South African-born Mimika who lives in Rainsborough Way, York, has danced all her life and now, as a recently-trained photographer she's regularly capturing its spirit in image rather than her own movement.

She is hoping that the judges in the New Business of the Year category of the 2004 Evening Press Business of the Year category click with her as well. She says: "I have always loved the arts, especially dance, and having had 14 years training as a dancer I can fully appreciate the fluidity, expression and artistry that dance is all about."

Mimika was approaching 30 when she decided it was time to turn her ardent hobby of photography into trained professionalism.

The first time she ever entered a dark room was last August after taking a part-time adult photography course at York College.

After a series of three courses she joined the British Institute of Professional Photographer's Fast Track programme. Now she is in big demand for her wedding pictures, portraits and especially dance images.

She has just completed an assignment for Northern Ballet Theatre's annual summer school, photographed performing dancers at The Grand Opera House during York Arts Council's Dance Week and has assignments lined up with Phoenix Dance Company and York-based multimedia company KMA.

Updated: 12:17 Thursday, August 05, 2004