Dancers hope to become world champs

Lords and ladies of the dance in Lincoln are jetting off to the USA to take part in the Irish Dancing World Championships.

The seven girls and two boys, who train at the Devaney School of Irish Dancing based in Hawthorn Road, Lincoln, will make the trip to Philadelphia on Friday.

They face stiff competition in the championships, which are being held outside Ireland for the first time.

All of the dancers involved and their parents worked hard to raise £6,000 for the trip.

Coach and owner of the Devaney School of Irish Dancing Caroline Devaney said: "They've all been training really hard six or seven times a week in the run up to this.

"You need the triple factor of a dedicated pupil, coach and parent."

Once in the US, the wannabe river dancers will take part in a week of age group competitions, with about 200 participants in each category.

But the club has high hopes, with two Midlands champions Emily Pavier (13) and Sophie Easton (18) and one Great British champion, Jessica Pavier, (10) in their midst.

One of the dancers overcame injury to qualify for the World Championships.

Harriet Staines (12) broke her foot in the run up to last year's championship and worked hard to bounce back into her wig and dress.

Senior dancer Sophie Easton has been to the US before to compete.

"I'm really nervous," she said.

"But I'm also excited. We did well last year so that has made us all the more confident."

For more on the Irish Dancing World Championships, see Monday's Echo.