Local dance school hits world stage

Kirsten’s Dance Academy, based at Woodend Mill in Mossley, is celebrating a landmark moment as members of its Elite Team prepare to compete on the global stage at the Dance World Cup 2026 in Dublin.

Led by Principal Kirsten Swift and Elite Team Teacher and Choreographer Stacey Maurice, the academy has built a strong reputation for nurturing talent across a wide range of disciplines. From as young as two years old, students are trained in Tap, Ballet, Modern, Commercial, Acro, Drama and Vocal, creating a well-rounded and dynamic environment for aspiring performers.

Now in its 10th season, the KDA Elite Team has grown to include 84 dancers aged between 3 and 18. Over the years, the team has consistently achieved success at both regional and national level, earning notable titles such as Junior Champions at “Can You Dance?” and both Junior and Senior Champions at “That’s Showbiz”.

In November 2025, the academy took a significant step forward by entering the Dance World Cup qualifiers for the first time. Competing with ten troupe routines alongside a number of solos, duets and trios, the team faced fierce competition for a place in the prestigious finals.

Their hard work paid off, with seven troupe dances and one duet successfully qualifying for the final rounds. The successful troupes include Minis performances “Cherubini” and “The Flintstones”, Juniors routines “Zodiac” and “Imposter”, Inters piece “Fitnesse”, and Seniors productions “The Wild Party” and “No Man’s Land”. In addition, Leo and Oliver Maurice secured their place with their Song & Dance duet “Oliver!”.

The finals will take place at The Convention Centre Dublin from 8th to 18th July, where the dancers will perform as part of Team England. The Dance World Cup is widely recognised as the largest all-genre dance competition in the world, featuring more than 120,000 competitors from 73 countries.

Speaking ahead of the event, the academy expressed immense pride in the dancers’ achievements and excitement at the opportunity to represent their school and country on such a prestigious international stage.

For Kirsten’s Dance Academy, this milestone not only marks a decade of dedication and growth but also signals a bright future for its talented young performers.

The Academy would like to say a special ‘thank you' to Equator Design, Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors & Saddleworth Round Table for their much needed which has helped with purchasing the England Squad kit and travel costs.