A SCOTTISH DANCER has returned from a competition in the USA with a “lifetime of memories” after her success on the global stage.
Hayleigh McEvoy, from Ardrossan, was part of the Scotland team which travelled to Florida to take part in the ICU international world championships - and came back a world champion, having secured gold with her AA senior pom routine.
Having started dancing aged five, Hayleigh made the decision a couple of years ago to move to a new dance school in Clydebank, hoping for progression and bigger opportunities.
So she took herself to Champion Dance and Cheer and it’s a decision which has clearly paid off.
Hayleigh was initially meant to head through to the tournament in 2020, but of course Covid-19 curtailed those plans. Though good things come to those who wait.
Her team won gold in the championships - and became Scotland’s first gold medal winners in team dances in all the years they have attended.
An incredible 51 countries sent teams to the competition, and Scotland’s team receive little to no funding, and meet to train only once every fortnight - making their win all the more impressive.
Hayleigh’s mum Jennifer told of how much the win meant to her daughter on a personal level also.
She said: “Hayleigh lost her best friend, her papa, nine weeks ago and promised him she would do Scotland proud.
“The full of team Scotland and Champion Dance and Cheer definitely brought their A-game and smashed worlds 2022.”
Hayleigh wasn’t the only local talent who was part of the team either, with Kayleigh Mackay also part of the junior pom team.
Champion Dance and Cheer also took their world’s team, Senior Black, to the competition. They performed superbly and left as senior coed world champions.
For Hayleigh it was amazing to be there with them, as it has always been a dream of hers to be part of Senior Black having grown up watching them compete.
Part of that Senior Black team was Three Towns dancer Dean Jackson, who was delighted to win gold with the Scottish team before moving to London to continue his journey in the sport.
Hayleigh’s mother Jennifer concluded: “Their talent is out of this world. I would just like to say a huge well done to Hayleigh, double gold medalist and world champion.
“To all of the coaches from CDC, Lisa Tausney, Jenni Greer, Stacy Greer and also to her team Scotland coaches Leanne Wrench and Amy O’Donnell - thank you for the opportunities and belief in Hayleigh. The support she has had from family and friends has been nothing short of amazing.”
