DURING the 2018 SA Irish Dancing Championships, 10 young dancers from the McWilliams Academy of Dance in Port Elizabeth qualified to represent their country at the World Irish Dancing Championships to be held in the USA during April.
Six of the dancers also competed at the All Irelands Irish Dancing Championships at Killarney, Ireland from February 17 to 23. They were Tammy Forbes (17), Courtney Pearce (26), Josie Opperman (11), Lauren Thompson (14), Jemima Opperman (14) and Jenna Hayes (17).
For many, this was their first time representing South Africa officially and it was the result of many months of hard work and perseverance.
Another McWilliams Academy of Dance student, Sarah Sharp (15), also took part in what was her second international competition.
Teacher and owner of the academy, Jenny McWilliams, said, “All Irelands is the second most important major championship in the world and it is a wonderful opportunity for dancers from countries such as SA to share the stage with the best dancers in the world! The sport can only go from strength to strength when we are given these platforms from which to grow!”
The dancers are now preparing for the World Championships being held in North Carolina, USA, next month.
