TWO local teenage girls have just won big at the Ulster Highland Dance Championships.
Hannah Creddin from Clogher and Evie Bowes from Maguiresbridge who are both members of Erne Highland Dancers recently competed at the prestigious Ulster Highland Dance Championships.
This competition is confined to the top Premier standard dancers from across the province of Ulster to see who will be crowned this year’s champion.
Hannah, aged 14 danced her heart out in a series of different dances throughout the day to be finally crowned Ulster Champion in the 12 and under 15 category, this made her the first ever Ulster Champion to come from The Erne Highland Dancers who formed in 2009.
Reflecting on her win Hannah said, “I felt nervous because I had Covid two weeks before and was unsure what my fitness levels would be like, but after I finished my first dance I grew more confident and was excited to dance the rest.
“When I won I was shocked. To win was unexpected but I was thrilled and couldn’t stop smiling all day, there was a lot of happy tears,” she added.
For Evie Bowes this was also her first Ulster Championships and she came away placing in the top six, another great achievement.
“I have been given many fantastic opportunity through Highland Dancing such as performing at the Belfast International Tattoo 2023 and dancing for the King,” explained Evie.
“Dancing at the Ulster Championships has been an amazing experience, I was very nervous about dancing in front of the three judges, but as soon as I got onto the stage my nerves were gone and replaced with excitement.”
Evie was delighted to have placed in the top six, “I am very pleased with my placing in the Ulster’s, this is a very special achievement for me,” Evie said..
Both girls have emphasised that none of this would have been possible without the dedication and encouragement from their dance teacher Kathryn Stewart, a former Ulster champion.
“I am just over the moon for both Hannah and Evie. They have worked so hard all year towards these championships,” said Kathryn
“For both Evie and Hannah to finish in the top six is just such a massive achievement for them.
“I know how hard Evie has worked for this and the hard work certainly has paid off! I am bursting with pride of her achievements and I just know she has a very bright future ahead of her in Highland Dancing.
“Hannah’s first time competing in a championship was last year, It has been Hannah’s dream to get that ‘Ulster Champion’ title and she got just that at the weekend.
“We just know Hannah’s best is yet to come and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.
“From myself and everyone at Erne Highland Dancers, we are so proud of both of the girls and these wonderful achievements,” Kathryn added.
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