Newtown-based dance school Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance recently sent two dancers to Dublin, Ireland, where they competed in the World Irish Dancing Championships. The prestigious event, often referred to as the “Olympics of Irish Dance,” brings together the most elite champion dancers from around the globe as they compete for the title of World Champion.

Students Trey Ruffles and Kylee Dugan earned their qualifying spots with their top notch performances and placements at the New England Regional Championships in Hartford last November.

The World competition ran over a full week ending on Easter and included competitors from Ireland, England, Scotland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Germany, among others.

Ashurst dancer Trey Ruffles of Danbury competed in the Boys 11-12 category and Kylee Dugan of Washington competed in Girls 14-15 category, which had nearly 200 competitors.

All competitors in a given category initially perform two rounds: a powerful, rhythmic hard shoe dance and an athletic light shoe round. A maximum of 50 dancers then advance to the final round where a solo hard shoe dance showcasing individual qualities and strengths is performed.

Trey Ruffles made it to the final round in his category, earning a World medal.

Former Riverdance cast members and Ashurst Academy co-directors Christina and Craig Ashurst both competed at the Worlds and know the event well. This year Craig traveled to Ireland to support and cheer on the dancers.