Clydebank Irish dance school achieves international success

Alana Rose Irish Dance Company competed at the World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) World Championships in Liege, Belgium.

Twelve dancers attended the competition which took place earlier this month.

The school won six globes at the event, with 20-year-old Nathan McRae being crowned world champion for the second time at under-21 level and Tegan Connolly, eight, was crowned world champion in the U9's category."

Alana Mclaughlin, teacher and owner of the school, based at Parkhall Road, opened the business nine years ago and is amazed at how far things have come.

"The 12 dancers who attended the world championships train four times a week along with balancing other commitments.

"The school achieved six globes which means we have six dancers in the top five.

"My daughter Ava Rose Thompson is the youngest dancer that attended the competition.

"She is only six and was dancing against eight-year-olds and came third."

The WIDA World Championships attracts hundreds of competitors from all over the globe and Alana is delighted that the sport continues to grow. 

"This year was the biggest group," she continued. "Last year we had eight dancers go.

"The group is getting bigger every year. In 2019 we had two dancers going.

"The following two years it was cancelled because of Coronavirus.

"It is is getting bigger every year."

Alana is helped by world champion Nathan and his sister Iona in teaching the students at her school.

And she was keen to highlight the tough opposition her dancers faced at the competition.

"We definitely want to keep improving each year," she added.

"Every Irish dancer wants to get to the top level and that is competing at the world championships.

"I try to keep it more about the passion for dancing, but it is absolutely great when you end up with a fantastic result.

"It is hard to put into words. It is great to see the dancers supporting each other and the friendships they have made along the way.

"We call it a dance family and that is exactly what it is. Sometimes we see each other more than our own families.

"I am over the moon for everyone and so proud."