Published: 24 March, 2016
by CHARLIE CORBETT

A FEISTY team from Finchley will be hoping they’re dancing for joy next weekend when they take on the best movers and shakers in the world. 

The troupe of 14 from the Rince Mor School of Irish Dancers are heading to Brighton for the World Irish Dancing Association World and European Championships. 

Irish dancing has evolved over the years from being just a friendly twirl at social events to an ankle-busting battle of balance synchronicity across the globe. So it’s not a competition for the faint of heart. 

Rince Mor has been running for the last 24 years and its dancers, aged eight and above, have competed all over the world. Next Sunday they will be out to add another World Championship title to the club’s illustrious trophy cabinet. 

Rince Mor teacher Maria Normoyle said: “There have been so many highs and lows in the build-up to the championships. All the dancers have worked really hard, and I hope the results mirror that.” 

Senior dancer Michele Davey says team spirit is high. “Irish dancing is a sport that requires serious dedication and hard work,” she said. “Training for the World and Europeans takes over your life completely. You have to eat, sleep and breathe Irish dancing to be a champion. We’re all working as a team even though we’ll be competing as individuals. 

“Over the five months since we qualified, we’ve committed 100 per cent to training. And we get amazing support and encouragement from our teachers.”