Swindon dancers have become World Champions in the most prestigious global competition in Irish Dance.
Farrell School of Irish Dance, led by Clare Crocker, is celebrating outstanding victories at the 2024 World Irish Dancing Association (WIDA) World Championships recently held in Liège, Belgium.
Competing against top dancers from across the globe, the team of 18, who meet at Grange Drive Community Centre in Stratton St Margaret, came home with two World Champions and one dancer was a runner-up.
Courtney Ringham, aged 23, emerged as the U23 WIDA World Champion, Kerry Maskell, 39, secured the title of Senior Ladies WIDA World Champion and Jaycee-Mae Jones achieved 2nd place and runner-up in the U9 WIDA World Championship.
The WIDA World Championships 2024 welcomed dancers from diverse countries including Australia, USA, China, Switzerland, Ukraine, Spain, Scotland, Germany, Japan, as well as the UK and Ireland.
Participation in this prestigious event required rigorous qualification, starting with the British Open Championships which was held in October 2023.
Preparation for this global stage was intense, with dancers attending classes up to three times a week, in addition to private lessons. Their commitment and dedication paid off.
Clare said: “Irish dancing isn’t easy by any stretch and as these girls have shown it takes years and years of training to even enable them to walk onto that worlds stage.
“I have watched Kerry & Courtney grow over the years and they never gave up, even though at times they felt like it. They carried on listening and applying corrections and worked hard to earn their top spots. I’m just so immensely proud of them both!"
The journey to the world championships was supported by the efforts of Clare and the Friends of Farrell School Committee. Fundraising initiatives included displays across Swindon during the St Patrick’s Day weekend and their annual Irish Night, which all showcased the school's talent and dedication to the community.
Courtney, who lives in Pinehurst, said: “I can’t believe it, I have no words. It honestly means the world to me to have this title, and I’d like to thank Clare, my teacher, for always believing in me and pushing me to never give up on my dreams.
"I’d also like to thank my mum, who without fail comes to every single competition and always ensures I do my absolute best.”
Kerry, from Nine Elms, said: “It was a heart-stopping moment realising I’d made the podium! To then go on and actually win takes it to a whole new level. I love Irish Dancing, and for any dancer to win the worlds is a huge achievement.
"Thank you to my mum, dad, husband, and two boys for cheering me on! And to Clare, my teacher, thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Jaycee-Mae Jones, who is eight years old and lives in Oakhurst, said: “To come second in the world in such a tough competition is a great achievement. I’m excited to work hard and hopefully win next year!”
Clare added: “Jaycee-Mae took to the world’s stage for the first time and took part in the international championships at the age of eight years old.
"She pushed herself really hard to perform steps that initially she found really tricky, but in true dance form she worked hard and made it to 2nd place and runner up in a fantastic competition too."
The trophy presentation took place on the same day as the competition, with all first-place winners participating in the Parade of Champions, a celebration of their hard work and success.
The Farrell School of Irish Dance provides classes for both adults and children aged four and above in Swindon.
Whether participants seek a new challenge or simply want to enjoy some fitness and fun, the lessons are designed to be exciting and enjoyable for all. Irish dancing offers a fantastic opportunity to forge new friendships, maintain fitness, and with dedication, explore the world through dance.
Lessons are held at Grange Drive Community Centre, Grange Drive, Swindon, SN3 4JY. For inquiries or further information, people can call 07795 026521.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article