“Although I do get nervous minutes before I have to go up on stage, it is amazing to have all my hard work pay off in the end.”

 Nora Ahern, junior, has been Irish step-dancing since she was five years old. In late March, she will be competing in Glasgow, Scotland for the second time in the Irish step-dancing world championship.

To qualify for the World Championship, Ahern had to qualify at either the National or Regional Championships. She qualified at both, placing fourth in the National Championship and second in the Regional Championship.

“I am excited to go to Scotland this year because I’ve been there once before and it was so beautiful.” Ahern says.

Competing at Worlds is a dream Ahern has had since she was young. Getting a high ranking takes more than just natural talent — she also had to have strength, agility, and balance in order to achieve high rankings at Nationals and Regionals.

In 2015, Ahern placed 24th at the World Championship. For the upcoming competition, Ahern says that she has learned from her past experience and feels confident in her performance.

Ahern prepares for competitions about three to four months ahead with varying workouts at Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance in Bethel. Doherty Petri School also has studios in Long Island and Ireland.

She is an open level championship dancer, which is the highest level there is. The order of the levels goes: beginner, advanced beginner, novice, prizewinner, prelim, and then open level championship dancer.

Ahern began dancing because she comes from a very Irish family and her two older sisters Irish Step Dance too.

When Ahern travels to Scotland for Worlds, she will have a few days to adjust to the time difference and to practice. The day before the competition is a prep-day for Ahern; she gets her dress and shoes ready to go, and picks out how she is going to do her hair and makeup. The competition day lasts more than 14 hours, so getting to bed early is priority for Ahern.

World Champions are rewarded with a first place sash, a trophy with a large globe, and a metal crown. But, Ahern says, “The title is the best part. Fame within the Irish dance world comes along with it.”

After the competition Ahern will have free time in Scotland. “I’m definitely going to end up doing some sightseeing within Glasgow along with the amazing shopping there!” Ahern says.

Friends of Ahern have nothing but praise for her and her accomplishments: “I adore Nora, she’s probably the most selfless person I’ve ever known and if anyone deserves to get such an amazing opportunity it’s her. We all wish her the best of luck. She’s amazing and will go beyond far.” Says Hannah Tucci, junior.

Molly Carboni, junior, adds, “Nora is an amazing and beautiful person inside and out. She is so humble about the fact that she is so incredibly talented, and we all know how much she deserves something like this. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished! I am happy for her.”