LOCAL DANCER MAKES HISTORY AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Four dancers from the M.A.D studio (McWilliams Academy of Dance) in Port Elizabeth, took part in the Irish Dancing World Championships in Dublin, Ireland during April. They are Courtney Pearce, Siobhan Moore, Michaela Flood and Jenna Hayes.

Miss Courtney Pearce (24) made history, when she became the first South African lady to ever recall at Worlds! Essentially, this means that after the initial 2 rounds, her collective score placed her in the  top 50 competitors, who are then given the opportunity to dance one more item for the panel of adjudicators in the final round. Courtney came 47^th out of 204 competitors in the ladies over 21 category and was awarded a prestigious recall medal.

Says Jennifer McWilliams, owner of the M.A.D studio :”This is a dream come true! This is the 10^th year that SA dancers have been competing at Worlds and it’s an incredible honour to be the dance teacher of the first female to ever make it to the recall round!”

Miss Siobhan Moore (20) also made headlines, when she was the only South African dancer to be awarded the Aisling Award at Worlds! This award is given to the highest placed dancer, per age category, from a developing country, which includes mainland Europe, Asia and South America!

McWilliams Academy of Dance is tremendously proud of all four dancers, who have helped put Irish Dancing in South Africa on the map!!