TRIBUTES have poured in for a dance teacher and member of the aerial arts community "with a big heart and a warm smile".

More than 80 people have taken to social media to pay tribute to James Agar-Leigh, aged 36 and known to his friends as JJ, who was has been identified by friends an family as the man tragically killed in a collision off the A55 Westbound, near Northop on Sunday, December 1.

On Monday 2 Christopher Agar-Leigh, James' husband, said: “Last night the angels took my soul mate. He was my life and my world and I am heartbroken more than you could imagine. He was the best son, husband, brother, nephew and grandson who will be dearly missed by all those who loved him.”

“I love you so much my heart is broken and it’s hurting so much. You were the best thing to happen in my life and I will always love you more than anything in the world.”

Rhyl Journal:

James performs on the aerial silks at Prestatyn Elevation Aerial Arts

A former student of St Brigid's secondary school in Denbigh, James began dancing at the age of eight, performing in panto in Rhyl as well as competitions.

He won many British and European championships in freestyle dance and at the age of 11, James competed and won in the National Eisteddfod.

After his victory, he was then invited to train at The Hammond School in Chester before, at the age of 16, auditioned and was awarded a full scholarship to attend Performers College in Basildon, Essex, where he graduated with a National Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance and obtained his ISTD and RAD teaching qualifications.

Francesca Sheldon, for whom James was a family friend said: "JJ was everything to our family. he pretty much adopted my sister Tabitha Sheldon, and never left our sofa.

"He brought together a lot of diverse people, he was the string that held everyone together."

James taught aerial trapeze and silks at Prestatyn's Elevation Aerial Arts before going on to found his own school the Body Rock Dance Academy (BRDA) in Rhyl alongside siblings Natasha Cross and Tara Leigh Nolan in 2012.

The school teaches a wide variety of disciplines, including ballet and acro-gymnastics to performers of a variety of ages.

In a statement from BRDA on Facebook, a spokesperson wrote: "A loss we as a family will never recover from, JJ our big brother and our best friend, the absolute heart of Body Rock. Not a kinder soul to grace the earth, far too good for this world he’s gone to dance with the angels."

Rhyl Journal:

James 'JJ' Agar-Leigh with Sam and Georgia Palomba

Sam Palomba, owner of Prestatyn' Elevation Aerial Arts said: "JJ was an amazing friend who was always there for me with a warm heart and a big smile.

"It was on JJ's advice that I started teaching children and developed the studio into what it is today , without his advice and guidance we wouldn’t have so many amazing aerialists- he was so much fun to be around and an amazing aerialist and dancer. "

"Even though he was busy he always had time to help me with advice on running the studio anything from putting on a show to training a certain move."

"I remember when JJ met his husband Chris and brought him round to meet us for the first time we never stopped laughing all night and it was obvious he had met the love of his life .

"We are devastated to lose our friend and it will leave a massive void in the hearts of many people and will be felt throughout this community. Our thoughts are with his husband and family at this very sad time."

Among his former students was Talia Hawker, of Prestatyn, who received private lessons from James as well as at Elevation Aerial Arts and has made a career working for a variety of international circus and currently travels the world performing as an aerialist.

Miss Hawker said: "He was an amazing person, and would do anything for anyone. I wouldn't be the aerialist I am today if it wasn't for him, along with other dancers and gymnasts he has taught. "As a teacher, he was incredible.

"I'm absolutely devastated for everyone especially his husband and family and all the children he teaches."

Following the incident on Sunday 1, police were joined by emergency personnel from the Welsh Air Ambulance and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Sergeant Raymond Williams, who is leading the investigation, said: “We offer our profound condolences to Mr Agar-Leigh’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“The investigation is still ongoing and we are grateful to those witnesses who have contacted us so far. We continue to appeal for information and are keen on speaking to anybody who may have been travelling along the A55 and who may have dash cam footage to contact us.”

Anybody with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit on 101 or via the live web chat quoting reference number X173638.