Woodford Green pupil gets prize from Michael Flatley after taking third in dance championships

A Woodford Green pupil of the Claddagh Academy of Irish Dance has placed third at the World Irish Dance Championships in Boston, despite competing with a broken hand.

Olivia Drury, 13, who attends Trinity Catholic High School in Mornington Road, Woodford Green, had to see off competition from 180 other dancers to be awarded the Third Place Globe. It was presented by legendary Irish dancer and star of shows Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley.

Her performance equalled her result from the previous year.

Olivia qualified for the championships after being crowned under-14s All Ireland and Great Britain Champion in October.

The academy, which runs classes in Woodford, Wanstead and Chigwell, has been teaching Irish dance for 30 years and counts former world champion Dean Crouch amongst its tutors.

Dean won the 2000 World Championships with a perfect 900 points out of 900 points score.

Next year the world championship will be held in London and Olivia’s teachers hope home soil will allow her to reach the number one spot.

Anyone interested in classes at Claddagh Academy can visit www.CladdaghAcademy.com or call 0208 502 6294.