Galgorm Collection backs Ballymena Dance Academy as 51 local dancers head to Dance World Cup

Pupils from Ballymena Dance Academy are set to take centre stage next week to compete at the Dance World Cup 2026 in Dublin following a sponsorship boost from local hospitality group, Galgorm Collection. Pictured with the pupils are (L) Lynsey Gordon, Chief Operating Officer at Galgorm Collection and (R) Greg Warner from Logans Executive Travel.

Fifty-one young dancers from Ballymena are preparing to compete against some of the best talent from around the globe after receiving a sponsorship boost to help them reach the Dance World Cup 2026 in Dublin.

The international competition, widely regarded as the Olympics of dance, will bring together more than 11,000 children and young people from 50 countries when it takes place at Dublin’s Convention Centre from 8 to 18 July.

For Ballymena Dance Academy, the event represents the culmination of months of preparation after qualifying earlier this year, with performers aged between seven and 22 now ready to represent Northern Ireland on one of the biggest stages in international dance.

Local dancers prepare for world stage

A total of 51 academy members will travel to Dublin next week, with eight groups competing across a range of disciplines including lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro, showstopper and jazz.

The scale of the competition is significant, with dancers travelling from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, India and China to compete for medals over the ten-day event.

For many of the Ballymena performers, it will be their first experience competing at an international level, offering the opportunity not only to perform before world-class judges but also to gain valuable experience alongside dancers from across the globe.

Sponsorship support helps make journey possible

Local hospitality group Galgorm Collection, alongside Logans Executive Travel, has helped support the academy’s journey by part funding transport to and from the venue and assisting with competition costs.

The support forms part of Galgorm Collection’s wider commitment to community initiatives and projects aimed at creating opportunities for young people across Northern Ireland.

Lynsey Gordon, Chief Operating Officer at Galgorm Collection, said the company was proud to support a local academy that had developed talent capable of competing on the world stage.

She said Ballymena Dance Academy had built an excellent reputation within the town and described qualifying for an event of this scale as “certainly no small feat”.

Ms Gordon added that investing in sporting talent and strengthening communities remained central to the organisation’s values, highlighting the positive impact participation in sport can have on young people and local communities alike.

She also wished the dancers every success as they prepare to travel to Dublin for the competition.

Months of preparation since qualification

Ballymena Dance Academy owner and choreographer Kara McCartney said the support had made a significant difference to the group as they prepared for the prestigious event.

She explained that since qualifying for the Dance World Cup in January, dancers had spent months refining and perfecting their routines ahead of the competition.

“For many of the children and young people, it will be their first experience of competing on a world stage as part of such a prestigious competition and the lessons they will learn from it will be very valuable,” she said.

Ms McCartney said the academy was grateful for the support provided and looked forward to showcasing the talent and hard work of its dancers over the coming weeks.

Global competition shines spotlight on local talent

The Dance World Cup has grown into one of the largest and most respected events in international dance, providing young performers with an opportunity to compete at elite level while forming friendships and connections with dancers from around the world.

For Ballymena Dance Academy, simply qualifying for the competition represents a major achievement. Over the next two weeks, however, the local dancers will be hoping to return home not only with unforgettable memories but with medals and international recognition for both their academy and Northern Ireland.