The North American Irish Dance Championships is one of the most prestigious events in the world for Irish dancers. This year it was held in Vancouver, Canada over the first week of July. While titled the "nationals," it is open to top competitors who have qualified for the event in not only North America, but also Ireland, England, Scotland and around the world.
The event is comprised of solo and team competitions divided by age groups with many categories having nearly 200 competitors. Southbury local, Colleen Mallon, competed in the Girls U13 division where she received a "recall" meaning she was amongst the top of the competition and came home with a medal. Local dancers Tess Brantl (Newtown), Olivia Ruggiero (Danbury) and Sarah Mallon (Southbury) also attended and had fantastic rounds at the event.
These dancers who have reached the highest level of competitive Irish dance called "open championship," proudly represented the Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance and the New England region. They now prepare for the region's most prestigious competition, known to dancers as the "Oireachtas" which takes place in Hartford this November and where dancers aim to qualify for the nationals and world championships.