Young dancers from a Mossley dance school are preparing to take to the world stage after qualifying to represent Team England at one of the biggest dance competitions on the planet.
Kirsten’s Dance Academy, based at Woodend Mill in Mossley, will be sending seven troupe routines and a song and dance duet to the Dance World Cup Finals in Dublin later this month.
The academy, led by principal Kirsten Swift, has earned its place among the world’s best after successfully qualifying at regional competitions in November 2025. It marks the first time the school has entered the prestigious Dance World Cup.
The finals will take place at Dublin’s Convention Centre from July 8 to 18, bringing together more than 120,000 dancers from 73 countries in what is recognised as the world’s largest all-genre dance competition.
The academy’s Elite Team, taught and choreographed by Stacey Maurice, consists of 84 dancers aged between three and 18. Now in its 10th season, the team regularly competes at regional and national level, collecting a string of titles including Junior Champions at Can You Dance? and both Junior and Senior Champions at That’s Showbiz.
Seven of the academy’s 10 troupe entries secured qualification for the world finals, alongside a song and dance duet.
The successful troupe routines are the minis, Cherubini and The Flintstones, juniors, Zodiac and Imposter, inters, Fitnesse, and the seniors, The Wild Party and No Man’s Land
Also representing Team England will be Leo and Oliver Maurice, whose song and dance duet Oliver! has qualified for the finals.
Everyone at the academy is now looking forward to travelling to Dublin and competing against some of the world’s most talented young performers.
Principal Kirsten Swift said the achievement was a proud moment for the academy, with dancers and their families excited to represent both Mossley and Team England on the international stage.
The Dance World Cup is regarded as the largest dance competition in the world, attracting competitors from across the globe and showcasing talent in every dance genre.