Larne girl Rhiannon dances her way to victory

The Year 10 Larne Grammar School pupil, who dances at the Jordan Academy in Mossley, has followed up the successes of the past few years with a busy schedule in 2013, competing in both Irish and British Championships.

Previously Rhiannon had won competitions at a national and international level, including being crowned Irish champion, British champion and European champion in 2011 and coming third in the World Championships that same year.

After a change of school in 2012, she was back competing this year and was once again crowned Irish champion, as well as coming third at the recent British Championship.

Rhiannon’s successes are very much the result of a lot of hard work.

She said: “I have been dancing from the age of seven. I usually attend three classes a week and on average I dance around 10–12 hours every week.”

When she is not away winning trophies, Rhiannon is also a member of the Celtic Flair dance troupe. The highlight of their 2013 came when they were asked to perform at the closing ceremony of the recent World Police and Fire Games in Belfast.