The Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance, with studios in Newtown and Danbury, was proud to send two solo qualifiers and a team to the World Irish Dance Championships last week.

The event, traditionally held in Ireland but this year in Greensboro, N.C., April 14–21, is often dubbed “the Olympics of Irish Dance” and brings dancers from countries worldwide together to compete at the highest level.

Among those who traveled to North Carolina for the event were Newtown residents Acadia Petersen, Britta Petersen, and Deirdre Smith. Dancers from Brookfield, Oxford, Ridgefield, and Southbury also participated in the international event.

“Seeing our dancers push each other to be at their best for months leading up to the championships and then be so confident and at ease on the world’s most prestigious stage was so special,” Christina Ashurst recalled. “It will undoubtably be an experience they’ll hold dear memories of and will never forget.”

The academy, run by Craig and Christina Ashurst, former stars of Riverdance, is currently enrolling its four-week June season as well as summer camps. Classes are offered for ages 4 and up in Newtown and Danbury. For more information, visit ashurstirishdance.com or call 203-928-0689.