Edinburgh performers celebrate huge medal haul at Dance World Cup

EDA performers representing Team Scotland grab four golds at international competition

Performers from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) are celebrating after securing FIFTEEN medals, including four golds, at this year’s Dance World Cup which wrapped up over the weekend in Portugal.

EDA’s 10–13-year-old Contemporary Group were among its gold medal winners, taking the top honours for their “Lovely” routine, choreographed by teacher Jenni Inglis.

Ms Inglis, who was named the top choreographer for the UK and Ireland at the Dance Inspirations competition held in Blackpool earlier this year, was also the creator of two other gold medal winning dances: “Someone to Stay,” a Lyrical solo performance by Finn McFeely, and “Hip Hip, Chin Chin,” a Jazz Trio which also featured 15-year-old Finn along with 17-year-old Paige Gay, and 16-year-old Rhianne McAllister (above).

Rhianne (below) took a further gold in the 14-17-year-old category for her Commercial solo dance “Fancy,” which was choreographed by EDA teacher Hannah Boyle.

Finn McFeely (below) also picked up two of EDA’s silver medals, for his Jazz solo “Jumpin Jack” and as part of “Embers,” a Ballet duo performed with 14-year-old Megan Hannay, which was choreographed by teacher Millie Thomas.

Ava Robinson also secured a Team Scotland silver for EDA for her Lyrical solo “I will wait” in the 10-13-year-old category.

A further eight bronze medals were won for Team Scotland by EDA dancers across a range of group performances.

In total, 52 of the dances performed by competitors from the highly-regarded Edinburgh school secured Top 10 placings at the week-long Dance World Cup, staged in Braga, Portugal. The competition featured more than 7500 dancers from all parts of the globe.

EDA, founded by its Principal Julie Mitchell, brought 72 pupils to the event, making up the largest group of the Team Scotland contingent.

The school’s delegation was comprised of dancers from its Performance Group, aged between seven and 18, with teacher Hannah Boyle also competing for Scotland in the Over-18 section.