On any given week in Wixams, the sharp rhythm of hard shoes striking the floor carries through Lakeview Village Hall. At the centre of it all is Katie, founder of Stuart Irish Dance Bedford, whose passion has helped create a thriving Irish dance community in Bedford.
What began as a small local class has grown into something remarkable, with two of the school’s dancers now preparing to compete on the world stage.
From lockdown setback to local success
The school itself was born from determination. When the Irish dancing school Katie had been helping with closed during lockdown, she faced a difficult decision.
Rather than step away from something she loved, she chose to start again, encouraged by her sister, who runs a dance school in Bristol.
“I didn’t really want to give it up,” Katie explains. “I never planned to open a school, so I’ve already surpassed any expectations that I could have had.”
From the beginning, the Bedford group has been rooted in inclusivity. Every dancer who attends the classes started as a complete beginner, learning and progressing together.
“All of them start as beginners. Everyone here has started with me,” Katie says proudly.
Tradition, culture and confidence
Katie herself began dancing at 11, later than many competitive dancers, so she understands the courage it takes to step into something new.
“We all have to start somewhere,” she says.
For many young dancers, the inspiration comes from seeing Irish dancing during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The fast footwork, colourful costumes and lively music capture the imagination, but the tradition runs far deeper.
Read: St Patrick’s Day: a celebration of Irish community, culture and craic
“It’s the music, the costumes, the traditional designs from the Book of Kells,” Katie explains. “It’s all interwoven.”
While modern dresses are lighter and brighter than those of the past, the essence of Irish dance remains unchanged. “The intricacies of the steps, the speed and the music have stayed the same,” she says. “It’s evolved, but it’s kept its original things.”
Beyond the technique, the classes create a sense of belonging. Weekly sessions are as much about encouragement and friendship as they are about mastering steps, giving dancers the confidence to challenge themselves and support one another.
From local hall to the world stage
That supportive environment has already led to remarkable achievements.
This April, two of the school’s dancers, Niamh Gammon, a Year 9 student at St Thomas More School, and Skyla Gauntlett, in Year 7 at Wixams Academy, will compete at the World Irish Dance Association World Championships 2026.
“That is an achievement in itself. Just to qualify,” Katie says. “Most dancers would dream of going. We’re very proud of them.”
Their success is already inspiring younger dancers attending the weekly classes in Bedford.
It shows that even those who begin as beginners in a local hall can, with dedication and support, progress to competing on an international stage while carrying their community with them every step of the way.
By Alexander Quinn, Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO).
Our monthly community column is provided by
the Queen’s Park Community Organisation,
celebrating the people, cultures and grassroots groups
that help make Bedford such a vibrant and welcoming community.
