With Grace and poise: Longford dancer qualifies for world championship in Chicago

Grace Valentine, 17, is keeping everyone on their toes with her jaw-dropping performances that are winning her plenty of awards. The young dancer from Longford town, a student of Meán Scoil Mhuire, won the Leinster U17 Championship on November 9, and has qualified to compete in the World Championships in Chicago in April, 2026.

A student of the O’Neill Blake Irish School of Dance, Grace has been tutored by Tracy O'Neill Blake TCRG ,Tara Blake, Amy Blake and Caroline Conway. It is described as a champion Irish dancing school, and has locations in: Bluebell, Dublin; Aghameeny, Co. Leitrim; and Roosky, Co. Roscommon.

Read more: Find out what is happening in Longford and Westmeath for Oíche na hÓige

Proud mum, Sabrina Masterson, came into the ‘Longford Leader’ to chat about Grace's achievement, and her dedication as a dancer.

“Myself and her dad (Darragh Valentine) are really proud of her,” said Sabrina.

A dancer does not have to qualify to enter the Leinster U17, but they must qualify in the Leinster Championship to get to the World Championship. With plenty of dedication, Grace attends four classes per week, as well as her own additional training between classes. Between now and in February 2026, Grace will be preparing for the All-Ireland Championships in Killarney.

However, as she has already qualified for the World Championships, this will just be her time to see how she does. The February contest still gives the opportunity to other dancers who are yet to qualify.

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“Grace wanted to say that she is grateful to all her teachers at her dance school for helping her achieve her goals and qualifying to the World Championships,” concluded Sabrina.

For more on the O'Neill Blake Irish School of Dance you can check out their Facebook page, where the feature a host of showcase dances.