Mackay’s 20+ rising dance stars of 2023

Mackay’s dance scene is bustling with many of the region’s stars already making names for themselves. Meet more than 20 passionate toe tappers who are already making waves.

Mackay’s dance scene is bustling with many of the region’s stars already making names for themselves. Meet more than 20 passionate toe tappers who are already making waves.

From classical ballet, jazz and tap to Scottish Highland and Irish dancing, Mackay is home to a growing population of budding young dancers.

Encouraging dedication, artistic expression and the love for dance, Mackay’s dance schools have fostered generations of passionate dancers propelling eager beginners into national and world champions.

In a quest to showcase Mackay’s rising dance stars, the Daily Mercury has reached out to dance schools across the region to feature some of the most talented.

Claddagh School of Irish Dance

Established in 2008, Claddagh School of Irish Dance prides itself in training well-rounded, students with a holistic education in Irish culture, language as well as traditional and modern Irish dance styles.

Lead by Colette Shields, the dance school has nurtured students that have gone on compete in world championships, with Claddagh’s very own Sarah Purnell being crowned the soloist World Champion at the U27 World Irish Dance Association World Champion in 2021.

“Our school philosophy is based around the symbols of the Claddagh: Love, Friendship and Loyalty and we promote a positive TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) spirit within the studio,” Ms Shields said.

Ruby Lawrie, 5

Ruby Lawrie, 5, has already scored first and second places in her first competition.

Five year old Ruby Lawrie lives and breathes Irish dancing, and dances everywhere she goes. Since starting when she was 18 months old through Claddagh School’s Jump’n Jig program, Ruby has excelled in her dancing skills, already knowing two solo dances, and performance pieces which she dances at community events.

Ruby’s highest achievement so far, is scoring first and second places for her first competition: First place in the under 6’s Jump23 and second in the under 9 Beginner Reelin.

Her dreams is to travel and dance around the world, as well as becoming a dance teacher.

In the coming year, Ruby hopes to be able to enter more Feis’ (festivals) and learn new dances to compete with alongside her friends.

Dempsey Turner, 6

At her first ever competition, Dempsey Turner, 6, won three of her solo dances and moved on through to the next level.

With dreams of becoming a famous Irish dancer in The Lord of Dance troupe, six year old Dempsey loves dancing in front of an audience at community events.

“Dempsey has an incredible work ethic for someone so young and practices at home as well as working hard in her classes,” her dance teacher, Colette Shields said.

Recently, Dempsey entered her first competition where she won three of her solo dances and moved through to the next level.

Her goal for the next year is to have fun and learn more dances.

Isabella Cummins, 7

Isabella Cummins, 7, will be competing in the WIDA international championship in Belgium next year.

Dancing since she was two, Isabella Cummins — who is now seven — has recently ranked third place in the WIDA (World Irish Dance Association) World and International Championships in the Under 8’s category at Killarney, Ireland.

With dreams of being a famous Irish dancer and perform all over the world on stage, Isabella has performed at many community events, live and digital competitions, recently placing 1st in the under 13 Open Reel.

She also received a 94 per cent on her first dance exam (consisting of solo dancing, ceili dancing, Gaelic and general knowledge questions).

In the coming year, Isabella will be preparing to be the under 8 WIDA international champion in Belgium 2024, in the hopes of winning the world title.

Eilish Tierney, 12

Eilish Tierney, 12, plans to compete in as many feis’ as she can across the world.

For Eilish Tierney, her whole world revolves around Irish Dance.

Dance teacher, Colette Shields described her as “an elegant dancer who attends every class she possibly can, practising for hours each week at the Claddagh School of Irish Dance.

With multiple wins in solo dances at the Internationals Grade Feis in Killarney, Ireland for 2023, and a 98 per cent score on her recent dance exam (consisting of solo dancing, ceili dancing, general knowledge and speaking Gaelic), Eilish will be attending the WIDA world championship in 2024.

In the coming year, Eilish is looking forward to becoming a student teacher for the Claddagh School of Irish Dance and working alongside her “amazing” dance teacher, Miss Colette.

Eilish plans compete in as many feis’ as possible all around the world and to continue completing her Irish exams every year, with the dream of becoming a teacher one day herself.

Sarah Purnell, 29

After winning the World Championship in 2021, Sarah Purnell will set off next year in determination to reclaim her title as the world champion Irish dancer.

The World Champion Irish dancer for 2021 and runner up for 2023, Sarah Purnell, 29, hopes to win back the title when she represents Australia in the World Championships in Belgium 2024.

Described as having a confident stage presence, being determined and focused on her goals despite years of ongoing injuries, striving to inspire others that anything is possible with hard work and self belief, Sarah is a striking example of what the younger generations can achieve.

Always excited to encourage the love of Irish dancing with younger generations, Sarah plans to retire from competing to become a dance teacher and adjudicator, after winning back the title of World Champion next year.

Ceilidh Dance Studio

A Scottish Highland and Irish Dance school in Mackay, Ceilidh Dance Studio, located at the Studio 53 is home to many incredibly talented dancers.

Ceilidh Dance studio Mackay was established in 1978 and has provided lessons in both Irish and Scottish highland dance. The studio has developed a fun, friendly atmosphere for casual beginners right up to producing championship level dancers. A Wonderfully supportive dance studio. Small classes and lots of fun to be had developing skills for competition and displays in these beautiful dance forms.

Olivia Knight, 12

Olivia Knight has wanted to be a Scottish Highland Dancer since she was four years old.

With dreams of competing at the World Championships in Cowal, Scotland, 12 year old Olivia Knight’s passion, enthusiasm and motivation has allowed her to compete at the highest level of Highland Scottish Dancing with great success.

Olivia will be on her way to the International Champion of Champions Championship in Melbourne next march, qualifying after she placed third in the Queensland Highland Championships earlier this year.

Tamlyn Evans, 19

Tamlyn Evans’ discipline and love of dance has led her to many successes with various Ballet and Highland Championships.

Dancing since she was four, Tamlyn Evans’, 19, enthusiasm, discipline and love of dance has led her to many successes with various ballet and highland championships.

Recently selected to represent Australia for Highland Scottish dancing at Switzerland and to perform at Washington Tattoo cultural festival in America next year, Tamlyn will be living her dream of dancing for an international audience overseas.

TAMDE (Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence)

Established in April 2017, TAMDE (also known as the Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence) teaches student from as young as two years old through to adulthood, and offers a range of classes including ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, acrobatics and musical theatre.

Lead by Leigh Cairns, the dance school’s director and comdance teacher (jazz, tap, contemporary, certificate classes), the team at TAMDE strive to create a fun, enjoyable, positive and safe environment for their students where everyone supports and encourages each other.

“Whether you dance for fitness or fun, seeking competition experience at the highest level or wanting to obtain all qualifications necessary to put you on the right path to your chosen career,” a spokesperson for TAMDE said.

Owen Reed, 11

Owen Reed was named the most promising performer for his age group at the Mackay Dance Festival earlier this year.

Receiving the award for most promising performer at the Mackay Dance Festival in the 10 year old category earlier this year, tap and contemporary dancer, Owen Reed has been commended for his stage presence and technique.

With dreams of dancing professionally, Owen is determined to improve and further develop his dancing techniques over the coming year.

Dakota Cant, 11

Dakota Cant dreams of dancing professionally with the Royal Ballet.

With a strong technique, beautiful lines and an amazing stage presence, 11-year-old ballet dancer Dakota Cant has dreams of dancing professionally with The Royal Ballet.

Her greatest achievement so far, was becoming the Overall Most Outstanding Performer of the Competition at the 2023 Emerald Eisteddfod and a Finalist of the RAD Shirley Treacy Awards for 2023.

In the coming year, Dakota hopes to attend the Qld Ballet and the Australian Ballet Academy.

Isabelle O’Hara, 13

Isabelle O’Hara placed runner up for classical dance at the 2023 Showcase Nationals.

With a passion for classical ballet, 13-year-old Isabelle O’Hara stands out for her love and determination to keep improving as a dancer.

Her highest achievement to date is when she placed runner up in her classical section at the 2023 Showcase Nationals.

Over the coming year, Isabelle wants to continue refining her technique and skills in all styles of dance.

Sienna Smith, 14

Sienna smith wants to dedicate her time next year to experience the “full time” life of dance.

Dreaming of dancing on a cruise when she is older, 14-year-old jazz dancer Sienna Smith, says her highest achievement was beating her biggest competition.

In the coming year, Sienna is planning to audition for many opportunities to work with different people and see what it will be like to experience the “full time” life.

Karah Moore, 16

Karah Moore is passionate about all styles of tap, from speed, street, waltz and slow.

At 16, Karah Moore has already been offered full time placements for programs with Conroy Performing Arts College and Queensland College of Dance after she graduates from high school, next year.

Passionate about all styles of tap, from speed, street, waltz and slow, Karah is often stopped by audience members to express how they felt about her performance.

“Strangers going out of their way to express how wonderful they enjoyed your performance is winning every time even when you don’t place,” she said.

Karah said her success stems from the highest technical training from teachers that love, support, encourage and believe in her.

Completing her final CSTD (Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance) exam this year in jazz, tap and contemporary dance, Karah was awarded the highest grade possible for all exam.

The achievement in competition that has meant the most to Karah was when she was awarded Runner-Up in the senior division of Brisbane Performing Arts Choreography Challenge in 2022, where she was recognised (and awarded) for choreographing her own tap dance from start to finish.

Karah’s goal for next year is to complete year 12 at Mackay North State High School, become Lead Drum Major for her school’s marching band, and to obtain her CSTD teachers exams in tap and contemporary.

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Munro School of Irish Dancing

Running for 59 years, the Munro School of Irish Dancing, has developed many young talented dancers who have gone on to hold the title of Queensland State Champion, compete internationally, perform in dance shows and open up their own dancing schools in Mackay.

Lead by Kirstine Munro, the dance school’s main focus is to cultivate the art of traditional and modern Irish dance.

One of the leading Irish Dance schools in North Queensland, the team at Munro School of Irish Dancing pride themselves in their commitment to provide a unique and inspiring learning experience, aspiring to ignite the love of Irish Dancing in their students.

Isabelle Hayles, 9

An action shot of Isabelle Hayles, dancing at the 2023 Queensland State Championships, her very first time participating in this event.

With less than two years of dancing experience and only 12 months competing, Isabelle Hayles, 9, is a traditional and modern Irish dancer at Munro School of Dance. She has progressed from a learning beginner to showcasing her skills at this year’s 50th Queensland State Championships.

“Isabelle is one of Mackay’s up and coming Irish Dancers and most notably is the youngest Irish dancer from Mackay to take part in this year’s 50th Queensland State Championships,” her dance teacher, Kirstine Munro said.

Isabelle’s dedication and love for dance has astounded Ms Munro, with Isabelle always being the first one in the group ready for her dance classes, which shows how much she loves dancing and learning new choreography.

“Before Isabelle, I have never heard of a student say to me that their parents have told them to stop practising and to stop dancing around the house.”

In the short amount of time she has competed, Isabelle has achieved remarkable accomplishments, including winning the North Queensland Irish Dancing Premiership — on her very first attempt — and the Sunshine State Championships, as well as securing a spot in the top 10 at this year’s 50th Queensland State Championships.

With dreams of dancing at the prestigious World Irish Dancing Championships when she is older, Isabelle plans to reach the top 5 at the Queensland State Championships next year, and is setting her sights on dancing at the Australian National Championships.

Keava Brennan, 18

An action shot of Keava Brennan dancing at the Queensland State Championships.

Having represented Australia seven times at the esteemed World Irish Dancing Championships, 18 year old traditional and modern Irish dancer Keava Brennan has made her mark as the youngest dancer from Mackay and the North Queensland region to participate in the international competition.

Keava was only eleven years old when she represented australia for the first time at the World Championships, the same age that her mother, Finn (Brennan) was when she first represented ireland in the same international competition.

“For a dancer to represent Australia on the world stage, a dancer must first achieve top scores at local and national championships that act as qualifiers,” her dance teacher, Kirstine Munro said.

Currently, Keava is working towards completing her Irish dancing exams with the aim of achieving her certification as an Irish dancing teacher.

Keava — who has taken a gap year following her completion of senior schooling — will be spending the coming year working towards showcasing her talents on the world stage for the upcoming 2024 World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow, UK where she will be representing Australia, once again.

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Roby Rogers School of Dancing

Founded by the schools current principal, Mrs Robyn Morgan in 1986, Roby Rogers School of Dancing (RRSD) has fostered the dancing careers of many talented and well-rounded dancers, striving to provide a supportive and motivating environment for students to “challenge, stimulate and reach their full potential through dance and the performing arts.”

“From beginners to pre-professional level, all Roby Rogers dance studio students are treasured and trained by highly qualified, dedicated and caring teachers in a supportive and inspiring environment,” a spokesperson for RRSD said.

Ellie Fredrickson, 7

At only seven years old, Ellie Fredrickson has been honoured as the “most promising performer” by Roby Rogers Dance School.

With an amazing memory for dance routines, and love for being on stage and dancing, seven year old Ellie Fredrickson has been described as a beautiful ballet dancer.

According to her mother Madeleine Fredrickson, when Ellie performs jazz, her smile tells just how much she loves it.

Her highest achievement so far was receiving “highly commended” for her tiny tots solo and being honoured as the “most promising performer” by Roby Rogers Dance School.

Ellie dreams of becoming a dance teacher when she older, constantly talking about her teachers Miss Annabelle and Miss Breanna, and how their guidance has helped shaped her into the beautiful little dancer she is today.

In the coming year, Ellie would love to perform two solos in the eisteddfod and be able to do a backbend walkover.

Mila Swifte, 7

Mila Swifte dreams of becoming a dance teacher and sharing the love of dance with future generations.

Mila Swifte is with Roby Rogers School of Dancing and stands out for her dedication and love of dance.

A classical ballet, modern jazz and contemporary dancer, Mila has recently placed in the Mackay Eisteddfod solo sections and has received outstanding results her recent dance exams.

In the coming year, she plans to continue developing her dancing skills and compete in as many dance competitions as she can.

Mila dreams of one day becoming a dance teacher herself and share the love of dance with future generations.

Indigo Tranberg, 7

At only seven years old, Indigo Tranberg has placed the runner up state champion for Jazz.

Indigo Tranberg, has a passion for tap and balle and has been applauded for her commitment to dance, placing second and third for multiple competitions.

Her greatest achievements have been placing in third for Qld’s best Tapper for her age group at the Get the Beat dance competition, and becoming the runner up state champion for both jazz and for Qld’s Little Miss Get The Beat Entertainment.

In the coming year, she plans to learn another two solos in new genres and represent her dance school at as many dance competitions as she can.

Indigo dreams of becoming a dance teacher at Roby Rogers School of Dancing and to one day have her own dance school.

Indy Wells, 7

Indy Wells dreams of dancing around the world when she is older.

With a radiant stage smile and deep passion for ballet and jazz, at the age of seven, Indy Wells has already received more than four honours in the tap, jazz, ballet and TPA exams this year.

Indy hopes to travel the world and dance when she is older, showing everyone what she loves and enjoys doing.

Her goals for the next year are to do more solos and continue growing as a dancer.

Aurora Green, 7

Aurora Green is passionate about all things dance, especially Jazz or any style that is up tempo and fun.

Dancing since was old enough to stand, Aurora Green is passionate about all things dance, especially jazz or any style that is up tempo and fun.

With dreams of dancing around the world and working as a dance teacher, Aurora has set her goals for the coming year to improve her dancing, make her teachers proud and to get another solo.

Katelyn Sturdy & Emily Camp, 16

Katelyn Sturdy, a 16 year old dedicated tap dancer, has travelled as far as America with her dance school and has performed at Disneyland.

Determined to become an even stronger dancer, while staying passionate about the art, Katelyn will be focusing on completing her final performance exam in Ballet and Modern Jazz in the coming year.

Katelyn Sturdy and Emily Camp pictured together at the dance studio.

Driven by her passion for Classical Ballet and Musical Theatre, 16 year old Emily Camp has received many achievements at the Mackay Eisteddfod and has been accepted into various local theatre productions.

Dreaming of making it to West End one day, Emily hopes to be audition and be accepted in the 2025 bridge, which would open more opportunities for her to study the arts and perform professionally one day.