A local business in Kilmuckridge recently reached an incredible milestone by being award ‘Wexford School of the Year’ at Golden Dance Awards Ireland…
Taylor Walker, of Taylor Walker Academy of Dance, has been awarded Wexford School of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Golden Dance Awards Ireland, held on Saturday, 13th September in the Castleknock Hotel, Dublin.
This national event, founded by Catherine Hughes and Danielle Hughes Quinn, celebrated the best of Ireland’s dance schools, with nominees from all across the country and a panel of high-profile judges including Brian Redmond (RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars Judge), Darren Casey (Riverdance), Sean Taaffe (Taaffe Training), Kylee Vincent (West End performer), Inna Mazurenko (Dancing with the Stars finalist) and James Patrice (TV personality).
The awards ceremony also raised over €1,000 for Barnardos Children’s Charity on the night and was sponsored by ClassForKids (alongside some other companies).
This is a huge achievement for Taylor and her school, especially considering the competition included other schools that have been established for over 30 years.
About Taylor Walker Academy of Dance:
Opened: February 2019
Location: Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford
Classes: 50+ classes a week for children of all ages and abilities
Students: Over 180 weekly attendees
Styles taught: Hip hop, contemporary, ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, drama, acro dance, singing and more
Community: The school has quickly become a pillar of the local area, giving children a space to have fun, make friends, and build confidence.
Since 2022, Taylor’s competition teams have been hugely successful at national and international competitions, always bringing home trophies and medals.
About Taylor Walker:
Began dancing in Essex, England at age 3
Trained at Performers College on a scholarship from the age of 16
Worked professionally in the UK and Europe before moving to Ireland in 2018
Founded Taylor Walker Academy of Dance in February 2019
Currently teaches all dance classes herself, with a child-centred, empowering and fun approach.
Speaking on the award, Taylor said:
“It is such an honour to win such an amazing award, I’m over the moon. My Dance school is so special to me, and I am so beyond proud of each and every student that comes through those studio doors. They all mean so much to me and I’m so grateful to them all and their parents for the outstanding support they’ve shown me over the years. I’m the only Dance Teacher in the school so to be recognised for this award means so much, I really do appreciate it and it makes me so proud.”
Upcoming Event:
If you’d like to see a taste of what ‘Wexford’s School of the Year’ has to offer, The Dance Academy will host its annual Dance Show, “Let’s Get Loud” 2025, at Gorey Little Theatre this October. (Sat. 11th Oct.)
Matinee: 2.30pm
Evening: 6.30pm
Tickets: Available now at gr8events.ie
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
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