Two Cochrane dancers have touched down in Dublin, Ireland, where they’ll represent Canada and their Calgary-based dance studio at the prestigious World Irish Dance Championships.
Riley Daley and Carra Hurley, both seasoned competitors from Cochrane, are among 17 dancers from the Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy to qualify for the event — the largest group the studio has ever sent to the world stage.
“When we went to Montreal two years ago for the Worlds, there were only four of us,” said Riley. “Now there are 17 of us, so it’s quite exciting to see how hard everyone is working. It’s quite motivating.”
The global competition, running from April 13 to 20, features over 4,000 elite Irish dancers from more than 20 countries. Only the top five per cent of Irish dancers worldwide earn a spot to compete.
Carra will dance in the ladies’ 19-20 age category on April 18, while Riley will compete in the ladies’ 20-21 division the following day.
At last year’s competition in Glasgow, Scotland, both dancers advanced to the second day of competition — an honour reserved for the top 50 in each category.
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“I would say the experience was just a whirlwind,” Riley told Cochrane Now following last year’s event. “We went out and just gave our best, and I think we were both really happy with our rounds. We made it back to Day 2, which is better than what we’ve ever done before. It was really amazing.”
For Hurley, returning to Dublin has personal significance. She first competed as a soloist there and still has family in Ireland.
“I’m staying with family while I’m there, and I’m pretty sure a few of them are going to come and watch me,” she said. “I love that.”
Both dancers have spent years competing across Canada and internationally, and say their passion for Irish dance continues to grow.
“I think I love it even more now,” said Carra. “I’ve also been coaching a lot, too, so it’s nice to go when you have everyone together.”
