Laird Dance Academy’s Carly Mackay brings US Open title to Benbecula

A talented young Western Isles dancer has become a US Open champion – adding to her already impressive string of honours.

Carly Mackay, a member of the Benbecula-based Laird Dance Academy, has been named the US Open Under 14 Preliminarily Champion.

It’s an tremendous achievement, both for Carly and the Dance Academy.

The Laird Dance Academy has now taken medals at World, European, National and International levels, a phenomenal achievement for a small school based in Benbecula.

As well as her success in the US Open, Carly is the current European silver medallist, having competed in Maastricht against a huge field of international dancers. She’s also a World gold medallist, again won in Maastricht, and has won countless medals at Scottish and British levels. However, until now, she had never taken part in the US Open before, so to win was something extremely special.

Since lockdown the dance school has been practicing in virtual classes run by Lorna from her home, and competed in the Australasian Open a fortnight ago securing ten gold medals, 17 silver medals, 24 bronze medals and placed in 97 different competitions in total.

This weekend saw the dancers compete in the US Open and against a field of hundreds of international dancers. Some results are still being awaited, so there may be further successes to report.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has added its congratulations to the Laird Dance Academy and its fantastic dancers.

Comhairle Convener, Norman A Macdonald, said: “It’s an unbelievable achievement, we’re absolutely delighted at what the school has achieved.

“The Laird Dance Academy has now taken medals at World, European, National and International levels, a phenomenal achievement for a small school based in Benbecula.

“Lorna and the dancers in the school deserve every bit of credit for their hard work, dedication and their determination to succeed, even a global pandemic couldn’t stop them!

“Their persistence has certainly paid dividends and they have proved that hard work conquers all.”

You can watch one of Carly’s championship-winning performances on YouTube