Foxborough Youth Compete in World Irish Dance Championships

From The Kenny Academy:

The Kenny Academy of Irish Dance is proud to announce that six dancers from its school have qualified for, and will be attending, this month’s 46th annual World Irish Dance Championships in Scotland. The six dancers, ranging in age from 12 to 22, will be competing at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall from March 20 – 27. Over 14,000 dancers and family members and friends are expected to attend the event.

“We are so excited to be represented by these hard-working young men and women who are leaders on and off the dance floor,” said Rose Kenny, co-founder of The Kenny Academy. “Our top priority is that all of our students always enjoy themselves while they continue to learn and grow in their Irish Dance careers. All of these dancers have been learning about Irish Dance from a young age and we are so proud of their many accomplishments.”

Below is a summary of the students attending, their hometowns and a short list of accomplishments:

HANOVER

Sarah Canniff is competing in the U12/U13 age group in Scotland. She started dancing at the age of four. It is her third time qualifying for the World Championships but her first time competing at a World level. Sarah recently placed fourth at the New England Regional Oireachtas in November in Providence, Rhode Island. Sarah loves the friendships she’s made over the years from Irish Dance and lives with her family in Hanover, Mass.

Tabitha Heger also started dancing at the age of four. She is currently a college senior attending Bridgewater State University. This is her third year in a row attending the World Championships. Tabitha placed 41st in the world in 2015 and fifth at this year’s New England Regional Oireachtas. She is a descendent of the first Irish mayor of Boston, James Michael Curley.

QUNICY

Sixteen–year-old, Aine King has been dancing for 11 years. This is her seventh time attending the World Irish Dance Championships where she has successfully placed in previous years. In 2009, Aine was a gold medal holder at the World Championships where she was a member of the drama team. Aine believes that Irish Dance has given her life-long friends.

FOXBORO

Jacob Parkman is fourteen and started Irish Dance when he was six years old. He is a six-time New England Regional Champion and this will be his fourth time qualifying for the Irish Dance World Championships. Jacob is an eighth grader at the Ahern School in Foxboro.

SWAMPSCOTT

Billy Petrocelli will be competing in the Men’s U17 group in Scotland. This will be his fourth trip to the World stage. Dancing for 12 years, Billy has been a five-time New England Regional Champion. He loves sharing his love of dance with all of the young dancers at The Kenny Academy.

KINGSTON

Dancing for five years, AnnaNicole Romaine, started dancing when she was 10 after seeing some friends dance during recess at school. Anna placed 51st at her first trip to the World Championships in London a few years ago. Last July, she placed 11th in the North American Irish Dance Championships. In November, she came in fourth at the New England Regional Oireachtas. Anna loves the athleticism and competition of Irish Dance.

The Kenny Academy

Co-founded by Rose and Michael Kenny, The Kenny Academy offers classes throughout the Boston area in five convenient locations – Beverly, Canton, Dorchester, Milton and Pembroke. All classes are taught by Michael, Rose and Breda O’Brien, T.C.R.G. and A.D.C.R.G. certified instructors. Providing an enjoyable, supportive and friendly environment for children ages three and up to learn about Irish culture through traditional Irish Dance, classes are offered for competitive and non-competitive dancers. The Kenny Academy gives children of all ages the opportunity to build life-long friendships through weekly dance classes and workshops, summer camps and various public performances throughout the year.

In addition to being world-renowned teachers and judges, Michael, Rose and Breda’s students have earned over 30 World Champion titles, a feat few other schools have accomplished. To learn more about The Kenny Academy, please visit: www.thekennyacademy.com or on Facebook at: facebook.com/kennyacademy.

Please contact me for questions, photos or to schedule a performance:

Erin Keefe | E: erin@ekeefepr.com | P:www.ekeefepr.com