Pumpkins getting Irish dancer to champs

ANDREW BOARD/Nelson Mail

JUGGLING ACT: Irish dancer Lucy English, of Hope, has been juggling training for the world championships later this month with work at a market garden to pay for it.

Tossing pumpkins and topping onions isn't likely to be found in an Irish dancing training manual but for Hope dancer Lucy English there hasn't been much of a choice about her preparation for the world championships this month.

The teenage dancer qualified for the world Irish dancing championships in Glasgow when she won her fifth New Zealand age-group title in September last year. Since then the race to improve her dancing while raising money to get there has been a juggling act.

Ms English has spent her summer perfecting her routine with specialist coach EJ Ryan while working six days a week on a Hope market garden in a bid to pay for the plane ticket.

"I've been working here [at 185 Main Rd, Hope] since school finished last year and I've been practising every day and while it's been a bit hectic, I feel really prepared."

She is a member of the Kildunne Dance School, based in Wellington, and in previous years has had to travel to the capital to receive coaching. This year, however, she has benefited from Mr Ryan moving to Nelson.

"I've been able to get five proper lessons, twice a week, and it's fantastic that I don't have to travel all the time. It's really helped my dancing," Ms English said.

The champs, in its 40th year, start on March 28 and Ms English says she has a clear goal in mind after not attending last year, due to a one-year stand down period because she moved dance schools.

"Last time I went I came 67 out of 140 dancers and this time I hope to get into the top third. The top third gets recalled for a final routine and I want to be there for that," she said.

After the championships she plans to move to London and hopes to gain a place in one of the Irish dancing shows. "I'll see what happens when I get there and hopefully through some of my connections something will open up."

Among her connections is Mr Ryan's sister, Aislinn, who finished runner-up at the world champs in 2006, the best-placed New Zealander in the history of the competition, and who was the lead dancer for Riverdance.

While the summer has been full of long hours, Ms English also received a scholarship to attend the championships via the Prices Pharmacy-Nelson Mail Aim High award and has held some fundraisers.

She leaves on Monday.

- © Fairfax NZ News