Dakota Courtney (Kinross). Photographer: Martin Kennealey.
Camera IconDakota Courtney (Kinross). Photographer: Martin Kennealey. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Kinross Irish dancer Dakota Courtney looking to conquer the world

Lauren PilatWanneroo Times

THE luck of the Irish has nothing to do with Dakota Courtney’s success on the national and international dancing circuits.

The 19-year-old Irish dancer from Kinross recently placed sixth at the 2018 World Championships in Glasgow and fourth at the All Ireland Championships in the 19-20 age group.

Dakota trains in Quinns Rocks and Connolly at O’Brien Academy of Irish Dancing and is the undefeated National Champion in Australia.

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“I’ve won back to back Australian national titles in 2016 and 2017, which I’m so proud of,” she said.

“Within WA, my best achievement would have to be winning the State Championships five times.

“My absolute best achievement to date though would have to be placing sixth at the 2018 World Championships held in March this year.”

For Dakota, representing her country on the international stage has been an honour and something she doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s such an honour for me to represent Australia in international competitions; Australians haven’t always been recognised on a world level in Irish dancing so I love being able to show people that Australia has some of the best Irish dancers in the world and that we shouldn’t be overlooked,” she said.

“The ultimate goal for myself, and I think many other Irish dancers, is to be crowned the World Champion.”

Outside of competing, Dakota dreams to tour with show companies before becoming a qualified Irish dancing teacher.

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