Longford's Maura brings Irish pride to the US stage

Another week on DWTS brings another impressive score for Longford star Maura Higgins, and most importantly, another step closer to the glitter ball trophy.

In honour of this week’s theme, ‘Dedication Night’, Maura and her pro-dance partner Mark Ballas paid tribute to Ireland with a high-energy paso doble to the tune of ‘I’m Shipping Up to Boston’ by Dropkick Murphys.

Behind-the-scenes footage revealed that a top Irish step dancer would also be joining Maura as a guest performer. This turned out to be Lucky Howard, star of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance stage show.

Maura and Mark’s routine impressed the judges but also the audience, who gave the performance a standing ovation.

Judge Carrie Ann praised the energy and “attack” of Maura’s routine before going on to award an eight, while Derek Hough said he “loved every minute of the dance”, and awarded a nine. Bruno Tonioli also awarded a nine, noting that Maura could improve her shoulder lines. Johnson praised the passionate choreography, also scoring the routine a nine.

Posting to Instagram, Maura wrote, “Tonight, I’m dancing for home. I’ve been lucky enough to chase my dreams across the world, but no matter how far I go, I’ll never forget where I came from.”

“I’m so proud to come from a little country with such a big heart. The kindness, the humour, the strength of our people and the way we always show up for one another is something I’ll never take for granted. To be able to celebrate my roots on a stage like Dancing With The Stars is something my younger self could only have dreamed of!!”

“And to every little country girl out there with big dreams, never let where you come from make you feel like there’s a limit to where you can go. If anything, let it be the reason you dream even bigger. This one’s for every single person back home who has cheered me on, believed in me and supported me along the way!!

“I’ll always be your Irish girl, and I really hope I make you proud.”