More than forty dance schools from Northern Ireland came together to represent the region at the Dance World Cup finals in Dublin. Over 120,000 dancers worldwide attempted to qualify for the annual event, which has been held since 2004.

Team captain Faye said the experience allowed competitors who normally face each other to support one another and represent Northern Ireland as a unified team. Flag bearer Sophie Bradley described the atmosphere as positive and said the group felt like a family.

Several team members earned medals. Eight-year-old Penny, the team mascot, won two bronze medals in solo and elite acro group categories. Ten-year-old Mya secured bronze in a song and dance class, and fourteen-year-old Mollie’s junior acro group placed second.

Dancers also valued the international aspect. Mya and Mollie both noted making friends and trading pins with participants from countries including Canada, the United States, Switzerland and China.

Penny’s mother, Carrie, stated that dancing has helped her daughter manage scoliosis. Penny wears a back brace for 23 hours a day but removes it for dance. Carrie added that older teammates assist with the brace during trips.