TALENTED dancers have competed against the best in the world to be crowned world champions.

Annemarie Hay, owner of Aine Hay Academy of Irish Dance, was moved to tears after the group’s success in Belgium.

Dancers from around the globe competed at the WIDA International and World Championships.

Impressively, two of the academy’s youngsters returned as world champions, while the under-17s céilí team were also crowned the best in the world.

A number of other youngsters were also recognised by judges.

Annemarie, who lives in Dunbar, told the Courier that she was equally proud of each of the dancers.

She said: “I was in tears watching them up there.

“They do it in reverse order with the top 10. Obviously, you don’t want to be number 11 and miss out on the top 10.

“Then it is the top six and it is the exact same emotion.

“Every place is just ‘oh my God’. Honestly, my heart was racing the whole time and I was a shivering and shaking wreck.”

Classes take place in Spott, as well as Mayfield in Midlothian, with budding dancers aged from four to 22 given the chance to learn Irish dancing and compete on the international stage.

Thirteen youngsters, competing from under-12s up to under-20s, made the trip to Liège hoping to impress the judges.

As well as the success of the under-17 céilí team, the dance school was celebrating success for Archie Buglass (under-12 11th place World Championships); Orla Palmer (under-12 second place Traditional Set Dance Championship and under-12 World Champion); Eilidh Ross (under-13 13th place World Championships); Zoe Lockett (under-14 10th place World Championships); Pree Miller (under-16 fifth place Traditional Set Dance Championship and under-14 third place World Championships); Maddie Ferrans (under-14 World Champion); Elsa Bird (under-15 13th place World Championships); Elise Palmer (under-15 fifth place World Championships); Brogan Riddel (under-17 eighth place World Championships); Grace Watters (under-17 second place World Championships); Jennifer McFarlane (under-18 ninth place World Championships); Mackenzie Miller (under-18 eighth place World Championships); and Caleb Ross (under-20 11th place World Championships).

Annemarie, who set up the dance school eight years ago, praised the youngsters for their hard work and determined efforts.

She said: “The kids have missed out on parties, days out with their friends and on Friday afternoon they can be in there from 1pm to 6pm, dancing, dancing, dancing.

“To be honest, they are there three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – and there are a lot of hours practising at home in between.”

Now the dance group is turning its attention to another important competition and trip a overseas to Donegal.

Annemarie added: “I’d also like to thank East Lammermuir Community Council, Fred. Olsen Renewables, the Edinburgh Emerald Irish Social Group and North Berwick Rotary Club for their continuous support and contributions towards the children being able to participate in this event.

“We are constantly fundraising so the children can all showcase their talent on the major event stages and reap the rewards as they dedicate so much time and effort into training.

“We have the All Ireland Championship in June and are already looking to get bag packing and dance at various events in the hope to raise the funds needed.”