An Uxbridge performing art student has been crowned champion after competing in the World Irish Dancing Championships, along with a fellow student placing 6th after beating close to 5,000 other hopefuls.

Cara and Emmet, both students at Stagecoach Performing Arts Uxbridge, competed against thousands of other professionals by dancing their way through four rounds of auditions, leading to a heated final against 30 other dancers hoping for the crown.

The event, which is known as the “Olympics of Irish Dance” was hosted at Dublin’s CityWest Hotel, and has been organised by The Irish Dancing Commission for 90 years.

The Championships are open to dancers who have qualified at Regional Championships this year, following the previous World Championships Solo competition. This takes place across three rounds, typically in front of a rotating panel of adjudicators. A Ceili competition includes both traditional ceili dances (as outlined in Ar Rince Ceilí) and Own Choreography sections. The largest Own Choreography section, the Figure Dance, is for up to 16 dancers, must portray "an Irish theme or legend", and is considered the most prestigious team event in Irish dancing.

Cara, who was crowned world champion after beating a total of 165 other hopefuls, has attended Stagecoach Uxbridge for almost three years, while Emmet, who was awarded 6th place overall, is dance captain of the school and a veteran, and has attended for 13 years (since he was 4), singing and dancing alongside Rebecca Odedra who became Principal in 2003.

Cara, who won the overall title for her group, puts her success down to vast experience on her mother’s side of the family, who are all dance teachers. She also credits hard work, determination and encouragement from those around her, saying: “I have three classes, one gym training session and ensure to keep a healthy diet. That combined with the skills that Stagecoach has taught me in my confidence and technique make a winning combination!”

Cara said of the event: “Emmet and I are so dedicated to our training and absolutely love to dance, so to have this opportunity was mind-blowing. We were surrounded by our friends and families which was a great support, and we can’t thank Rebecca our Principal enough for the inspiration and confidence she has always given us, making opportunities like this possible.”

Stagecoach Performing Arts Uxbridge is part of a network of more than 700 part-time Schools Worldwide. Early Stages classes are available for children aged 4 to 6 and Main Stages classes take place for 6 to 18-year-olds.

For more information please visit the website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/uxbridge or call 020 8357 0273