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Earlier this month, 14 young dancers returned from the World Dance Masters held in Blackpool, UK.
The dancers, aged nine to 26, represented our region and the Lennox Head-based Heart of Dance school.
Jessie Kernaghan choreographed the dances, and says she danced 21 times herself.
Ms Kernaghan said, ‘Over three hectic days, the team competed against more than 1,500 dancers from 25 countries. Collectively, the dancers took to the floor 97 times during the heats, quarter, semi and finals in solo, duo and team performances’.
‘In all, the Heart of Dance team brought home nine world champion titles for 2024, and a swathe of silver and bronze medals to boot’.
She says the result placed them as the most awarded dance team at the event.
Support appreciated
‘We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the local businesses and community members who supported us in our fundraising efforts to get to Blackpool’, said Ms Kernaghan.
‘And to those who continued to support us through messages while we were overseas’.
Surreal experience
‘It truly was a surreal experience to represent Australia and our beautiful town. It’s something we will never forget and something we can’t wait to do again’.
‘This team knows how to raise money!’ said Lennox Head resident, Ange Flanagan. ‘Every event I went to was so much fun and some were a little wild’.
Heart of Dance offers both social and competitive classes in jazz, hip hop, acro, ballet, lyrical, tap, musical theatre, cabaret and line dancing.
For those who have not experienced line dancing before, Kerren and Jessie are keen to stress that it has come a long way in recent years.
‘Line dancing today incorporates jazz and lyrical dance’, said Kerren. ‘It’s not “Achey Breakey Heart”.’
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