Eleven Irish dance students from the Teelin School of Irish Dance, based in Columbia, Maryland, will travel to Dublin, Ireland, this April vying for top recognition as “World Champion” in their age group. Among these dancers is Gaby Stratmann who is in 11th grade at RHHS!

The World Irish Dancing Championships, hosted by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (Irish for “The Irish Dancing Commission” based in Dublin, Ireland), are akin to the Olympics of Irish dancing. Approximately 5000 competitors from around the globe will participate in this year’s championships to be held April 9-16, 2017, at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. Dancers have qualified to compete at this event by placing in the highest percentage of their regional or national championships earlier in the season.

These eleven dancers are currently training 20-30 hours a week, and have each been placing well at local, regional and international competitions throughout the year. In fact, at the North American Irish Dancing Championships in July 2016, Gaby Stratmann won first place in her solo championships, earning her the title of North American Champion in her respective age group. Please congratulate Gaby on her achievement!