Durban North Irish dancers make history
Olivia and Labuscagne have been dancing with the Stow Academy of Irish Dance for nine and eight years respectively.
TWO Irish dancers from Durban North are set to take the international stage in Dublin at the 2025 Irish Dancing World Championships.
Ciara Labuscagne and Olivia Barrett, from the Stow Academy of Irish Dance, have made history as it is the first time that female Irish dancers from KZN will take part in the world championships.
“I’m super excited about going to the Irish Dancing World Champs. It feels amazing to be a part of such a big event. I can’t wait to watch the performances and cheer on the other dancers from South Africa. I’m a little nervous about competing, but mostly, I just want to have fun and show what I’ve worked so hard for. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” said Olivia.
She added that it was an honour to have even been chosen to take part in such a prestigious competition.
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Labuscagne expressed similar sentiments, saying that she looking forward to performing on such a huge platform and feeling the energy of the crowd.
“I can’t wait to see all the amazing dancers from different countries and to learn from their styles. The chance to share our hard work and passion for Irish dance is something I’m really looking forward to. I am excited to watch such high levels of dancing from hundreds of dancers that come from all over the world,” she said.
The dancers took part in the South African Irish Dancing Championships in Kyalami at the end of September where Olivia placed third overall in the girls 12 years and under category, and Labuscagne placed sixth overall in the ladies 20 years and over championship.
Dance teacher Amy Stow said she was extremely proud of the dancers as they had put in an incredible amount of work.
“Their amazing results at the SA Championships show their hard work and dedication. Both Ciara and Olivia are always on hand to assist with younger dancers in the studio and have proved to be wonderful role models. I look forward to seeing what they are able to achieve on the biggest stage in Irish dancing at the World Championships next year,” said Stow.
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