Local dancers qualify for North American competition

Young Irish dancers from the Celtic Academy Canada in Port Elgin are making their mark in the world of dance.

Recently, several of the Academy’s top dancers competed in Toronto at the  OIREACHTAS 2018,  Eastern Canada Regional Championships that were held December 7th, 8th and 9th.

(L) Jorga Shannon (9), Kiara Harris (10), Elena Dobson (10), Kate Bester (11), Sadie Bester (9),  Essery Silk (7) with their medals and trophies (Absent are twins Madalynn and Avery McGregor)

There are four solo champions who have qualified for the North American Irish Dance Championships, that will take place in British Columbia in June (2019).

Dancers wear exquisite dresses
   Twins Madalynn and Avery                     McGregor

Twins Madalynn and Avery McGregor placed in the top 10 in Solo Championships Under 12 years of age and both qualified to compete in the North American Championships.

In addition, Jorga Shannon and Essery Silk are Canadian Champions with Silk placing 1st in the under-7 category and Georgia Shannon placing third in her age category.

“The girls were up against large studios from across Eastern Canada with some 400 dancers competing,” said Academy owner and instructor, Mary Foley, “but our dancers are exceptional, both in their skill and their commitment to the dance.  Jorga originally comes from Meaford but now resides in Port Elgin, Elena from Walkerton, the Bester sisters from Cargill and Kiara is from Guelph which demonstrates not only their dedication but that of their families.”