Talented youngsters from a Helensburgh dance school scooped 11 World Cup gold medals, as they represented Scotland on the biggest stage.
Across five days of competition at the Dance World Cup in Shropshire, competitors from the Margaret Rose School of Dance scooped 11 golds and four silvers against some of the toughest opposition on the planet.
Girls from the school scooped gold in the senior and junior categories, whilst there were silver medals for soloists Rhiannon Charles and Samantha Mulhollan as well as duo Catriona and Eilidh Gammons.
There was also success for Ava King and Georgia Dennet who finished fifth in their category, and sixth place finishes for solo dancer Skye Erith and the group of Anna Rose King, Kayla Morley Smith, Lily Dennett, Eilidh Gammons and Isla Charlton.
Reflecting on an emotional return to competition, dance school owner Margaret MacInnes said: “We had some fabulous success. It was unbelievable.
“I was just bowled over with their achievements.
“I cried many happy tears. It will be one of my best Highland memories as a teacher.
“The icing on the cake was the two winning gold medal groups being invited to dance at the gala show on the Saturday night.
“Although there were a lot of Highland dancers at the event we were the only groups at the gala, putting Highland dancing where it deserves to be - right at the top with the dance champions of the world.
“When you see something world class like this going ahead with so many people it’s just great.
“It was fantastic to see my children back in kilts and representing their country, dancing for Scotland at such a big event.”
The girls only entered the event after Covid put their usual summer schedule on hold, with the virus making the competition feel very different to those held pre-lockdown.
Margaret explained: “Normally we’re working for Cowal Highland Games at this time of year and we go to Canada in July for a big competition.
“I thought I would give them something to work for with those events cancelled, so we decided to enter this Dance World Cup.
“Because of Covid there were 62 countries from around the world represented.
“But some put their dances in by video because they couldn’t come to the competition.
“The video and the live performances were judged by the same three judges. Whoever got the top mark became world champions.
“We were just so happy that the event went ahead though.
“It was fabulous being back at a live event, especially one that was run so well and that you felt safe at.
“It was very, very good.
“I hope everyone takes some faith from this and goes ahead with future events.”
