It is ‘bon voyage’ to North East Irish Dance School as dancers qualify for the 2023 World Irish Dancing Championships in Canada.
Students from Durham dance school, O’Hehir School of Irish Dance, based on Barnfield Road in Spennymoor, recently competed in the North East regional qualifiers which took place at Jarrow Focus.
Eight dancers secured their places to represent the North East of England in the World Irish Dancing Championships set to take place in Montreal, Canada April 2023.
Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne is the name of the annual Irish dance competition run by An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (the Irish Dancing Commission). It is the highest level of competition for Irish dancers within the CLRG organisation and draws thousands of competitors from around the globe in both solo and team events.
With eight dancers, four of which are British number one four hand ceili champions, qualifying from the school, award winning director of O’Hehir School of Irish Dance and ex-Lord of the Dance star, Katrina O’Hehir is delighted to be showcasing the best of North East talent on the world stage.
Katrina said: “I am beyond proud of each and every dancer. They have literally put their hearts and souls into training. They have all earned their place in the competition and I’m sure that they will do us all proud.”
Jumping for joy at their achievements, the dancers include girls and boys aged nine to 14 years old from across the North East who will be travelling to Montreal to compete in the seven-day event hosted over the Easter period.
Each dancer funds their own transport, accommodation and equipment, however local businesses have kindly donated towards these costs and there is a crowd funding page for anyone who would like to support them and contribute to their journey.
All donations are gratefully received. Find the donation page here.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
