World champion brings Irish dancing to Ashton

A new Irish dancing studio has opened its doors in Ashton-under-Lyne – and it’s being led by a world champion.

Joshua Ward has launched new classes in the town under the banner of Cairdeas Academy, a well-established Blackburn-based school. Josh has branched out to bring the academy to Tameside, holding classes at Blaze Street Dance Academy studios on Oldham Road.

The studio officially opened three weeks ago and is already attracting keen young dancers and adults eager to try something new.

Josh’s journey into Irish dancing began in Ashton itself. Before discovering Irish dance, he tried street dance but felt it wasn’t quite the right fit.

“I enjoyed street dancing, but it just wasn’t my style,” he explained. “I then saw someone perform Irish dancing at school. I went home and said to my dad, ‘I want to do that.’”

He quickly picked it up and progressed through different schools before stepping into the competitive world of Irish dance, competing across England, Ireland and Scotland. His dedication paid off in spectacular fashion, Josh became a World Champion solo dancer and has earned a reputation in the dance world for his exceptional treble reel performances.

“We’re known in the dance world,” he said proudly. “Every time we perform, it places. That’s something I’m really proud of.”

Cairdeas Academy remains rooted in its Blackburn base, where Josh trains under Sabrina, but his Ashton classes operate as a branch of the wider academy.

“It’s still Cairdeas - it’s not just me on my own,” he explained. “I train in Blackburn, and this is like a franchise branch. I’m sharing what I’ve learned and bringing that expertise here.”

As someone who has worked in primary education, Josh is passionate about encouraging children to try something different.

“It’s about getting kids active and doing something unique that they wouldn’t normally try and having fun with it.

“When I started, it was more of a hobby school. There wasn’t a big focus on technique. Now, knowing everything I’ve learned, I want to pass that on.”

Rather than focusing immediately on high kicks and showy leaps, Josh is building strong technical foundations.

“We’re concentrating on technique – turnout, sharp points, pointing the toe – and making sure everyone dances safely. That’s really important.”

The Ashton branch isn’t just for children. Josh has already welcomed adults who have been inspired by shows like Riverdance but never had the opportunity to try Irish dancing locally.

“They said they’d seen Riverdance but never seen anything like this in Ashton before,” he said. “To be able to teach them the same steps we do in Blackburn, here in Ashton, makes them happy, and that makes me happy.”

Josh currently does adult classes on Tuesdays 6-7pm and under 16’s classes on Fridays 6-7pm

Josh’s own schedule is packed with training, competitions and preparations for upcoming world events.

“It’s dancing, dancing, dancing – always busy,” he said with a smile. “But I love sharing it with everyone here.”

For more information or to enquire about classes, Josh can be contacted on 07305 751663.