By Annie Stewart
A NEWTOWNARDS Highland Dancer has had an ‘exceptional’ dance season, gaining recognition in all corners of Northern Ireland, Donegal and Scotland.
Ruby Armstrong has competed all over the UK and Ireland and has won overall trophies in the Beginner category, as well as several runner-up awards.
The 13-year-old has been dancing with Michelle Johnston in Moneyrea since 2020 and started competing in July 2021.
“I have competed in Donegal, Londonderry, Enniskillen, Cookstown, Comber and Clough,” said Ruby.
“I went to Scotland to compete in Girvan, Paisley and Newton Mairns. I have won overall trophies and some runner-up.
“I have moved up to Novice this year and like competitions as I am with my friends. I train three times a week and I practice at home.”
In addition to competitions, Ruby has been busy performing at various community events and a highlight this year was dancing with the Cross-Border Orchestra of Ireland’s Peace Proms.
Ruby is now celebrating her progression to the next competitive level and is aiming for another successful season in the Novice category.
Ruby headed off to Scotland at the weekend for a competition and plans to compete locally before Christmas.
Laura, Ruby’s mum, said the family is very proud of her.
“I am proud of the commitment Ruby has made to dance,” she said.
“She has come a long way from her first competition; she only knew one dance and now she can dance all of her required dances. Dance has created friendships for Ruby and the rest of the family that will last a lifetime.”
Michelle Johnston, Ruby’s dance teacher said she is ‘very excited’ for her future in Highland Dancing.
“I am very excited for Ruby’s future in Highland Dancing, to have won so many prizes in a short space of time shows great promise and natural talent,” she said.
“I started Highland Dancing rather late, at the age of 12, so Ruby is a lot further advanced than I was at that same age.
“The dancers travel to Clough and Moneyrea for training two or three times weekly and, for Ruby, she commits herself to attending additional workshops and events at every opportunity.
“The senior dancers also incorporate strength and conditioning into their practice schedules to enhance their performance with higher elevation and quicker movements.”
The dance school is proud to support Highland Dancing Competition in Northern Ireland and Donegal.
“Throughout the winter we will also be fundraising to take the dancers to Scotland on several occasions, to compete against the best highland dancers in the world,” she said.
“You can also find the dance school performing at local events, churches, schools and nursing homes which helps them gain confidence and experience.”
