Contestants show all the right moves as Carrick hosts festival of dance

Emily Quirke, Johnny Cronin School, won the age 16 open championship; Chloe Irwin 2nd, Jordan Academy; Toni Steele 3rd, Seven Towers; Faith Nicole Thompson 4th, Bentra School; Hannah Fitzimmons 5th, Wilson School. INCT 25-724-CON Photos and report by John Egan

The event was organised by teachers Ruth McCalmont-Long, Marti Shields and June McCalmont of the Royal Tara Dance Academy.

The renowned local dance school, which holds classes in Carrickfergus and Larne, was formed as a festival dance school over 40 years ago by June, an accomplished champion dancer of her time.

Now in its fifth year, the championship continues to grow in size and to attract dancers from all over Ireland, England, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Annie-Belle Nesbitt, Seven Towers, the age 5 winner. INCT 25-723-CON

This is an indication of the growing popularity of CRDM, a relatively new dance organisation. The next major dance event in the CRDM calendar is the All Ireland Championships, which will take place over four days from today (June 23) in Killarney.