Delaney Schmalz (left) stands with Dance Teacher Sara Stahl from the Ashden School of Irish Dance after she qualified for Worlds at Westerns in Calgary this past November. (Delaney Schmalz/Submitted)

By Logan Lehmann

Making history

Local dancer set to represent P.A. dance school for first time ever at World Irish Dancing Championships

Mar 23, 2024 | 3:00 PM

A dancer from Prince Albert will be stepping into the international spotlight this weekend as she readies for the World Irish Dancing Championships.

The competition is being held across the pond in Glasgow, Scotland where Delaney Schmalz is set to represent not only her country, but Saskatchewan and Prince Albert too.

All participants in the event had to qualify to attend and Schmalz said this achievement not only means a lot to her, but to her school, the Ashden School of Irish Dance, as well.

“It was an extra special feeling because my dance teacher qualified for the first time in 2011 and I am the first person from our school to ever qualify. It’s a very big honour and I’m very excited.”

Battle ready

Predators set to defend title as new PGLL season approaches

7h ago

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

12h ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

12h ago

“It’s hard to put into words on how great of a feeling this is,” she continued. “I especially do it for the younger dancers. I’ve been dancing for 16 years, and this has been a dream in the making. It’s amazing that I can show our younger dancers as well that anything is possible if you don’t give up and keep working hard.”

Schmalz qualified for the World Championships after placing fourth in the Western Canadian Regional Oireachtas back in November in Calgary, where only the Top 5 dancers in every division qualify for Worlds.

After she found out she would be heading to Worlds, Schmalz said she’s been in the studio putting in the work to leave Scotland with some hardware.

“I’m training about two to three times per day to prepare for [Worlds]. Right now, I’m mostly focused on resting and recovering before I leave on Monday.”

The World Irish Dancing Championships get underway on Sunday and run until March 31. A full schedule of the event can be found by clicking here.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

—

Ready to thrive?

Click on the ‘Lifestyle’ section in the paNOW.com menu or visit www.everythinglifestyle.ca for health and wellness news, recipes, free guided meditations, gardening videos, and the ‘Choosing Wellness’ podcast.