Stepping upto success

Irish dancing champion Niamh Leighton tells Caroline Lindsay how Michael Flatley inspires her when the going gets tough

Next time you’re getting dressed in a hurry, spare a thought for Niamh Leighton. The champion Irish dancer has to grapple with fake tan, wigs and sock glue (points are lost if socks fall down) every time she prepares for a show.

Eighteen-year-old Niamh, a member of the Lochee School of Irish Dancing, takes it all in her stride, though. She has been dancing since she was three and, as three times world championship medallist, twice overseas champion and Scottish champion, nothing fazes her.

We’ve probably all been guilty of watching mesmerising performances of Riverdance and thinking there’s not much to it apart from the fancy footwork, but Niamh is quick to bust that myth.

“People who don’t know anything about Irish dancing tend to underestimate how physically demanding a sport it is,” she explains.

“Training is physically and mentally intensive: we work on our core, strength, flexibility, fitness and stamina. It’s impossible to get to the top without working incredibly hard.

“Dancing is my life and without this commitment, I wouldn’t be at the level I am now.”

Niamh, who is in her final year at school, has already secured an unconditional place at Abertay University to study sport and management. Aiming for first class results in both school and dance exams takes its toll, but if she ever needs motivation, she recalls her meeting with Irish dance star Michael Flatley at the world championships in 2014.

“He is a true inspiration to every Irish dancer and to meet him that day was simply unbelievable,” smiles Niamh. “He said: ‘I see all your hard work and dedication, those endless hours and sacrifice. Always remember, you are already a champion to get this far,’ and that has stuck with me ever since.”

Competing in dance contests around once a month, many on the West Coast, as well as in London and Ireland, means Niamh has to stay on top of the current moves.

Once you master the basic movements, you can start learning different dance steps like the elegant slip jig, a straightforward jig full of stamps and rhythm, or a soft shoe reel with big kicks and jumps. Her own favourite is a traditional set dance called the Blackbird.

The stunning costumes, which can cost up to £1,000, play a big part in any show. Niamh has three class dresses with a Celtic design in green and black, and five different solo dresses, including a gorgeous pink-and-black number covered in diamante.

Behind all the glamour lies a combination of discipline, dedication and hard work – and a close network of support from the dance school, family and friends.

“They are there for me on the good days and the bad. We’re like one big family and it feels amazing to be a part of it,” says Niamh, whose dream is to run her own dance school.

“I can’t imagine the day where I put on my dance shoes for the last time and I simply would not be the person I am today without Irish dancing in my life.”

People who don’t know anything about Irish dancing tend to underestimate how physically demanding a sport it is