Trio shine on global Highland and Irish dancing stage

For nearly a century, the Robinson Dance Studio in Robinhills, Randburg, has been a beacon of excellence in Highland and Irish dancing. With a 96-year history of training dancers from as young as four to adulthood, the studio is no stranger to world-class competition. In 2025, three of its own took centre stage in Dublin, Ireland, to represent South Africa at the CLRG Irish World Championships (Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne), the pinnacle of Irish dancing.

Among the more than 5 000 dancers from over 20 countries, three young South African dancers, Megan Young, Sarah Loram, and Emily Atkins, stood tall. Competing in both solo and team categories, they brought home not only a bronze medal but also a world globe in the senior ladies’ figure choreography category, cementing their names in the legacy of the Robinson Dance Studio’s international success.

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For Megan, the Dublin stage marked the end of a five-year journey that began when she qualified for the 2020 World Championship, which was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19. “Finally dancing in Dublin, after all these years, was incredibly meaningful,” she said. “Given my injury, simply being there was something I didn’t take for granted.”

Sarah described the experience as ‘overwhelming but spectacular’, while Emily recalled the thrill of the moment. “There were flags everywhere and Irish dancers all around the venue. It just reassured me that this was where we were meant to be.”

Their journey to the world championships started with intense training in January. By the final weeks, they were practising daily, balancing school, dancing, and life. “It was blood, sweat, and tears, but it was worth every minute,” said Sarah.

Emily, the oldest on the team, stepped into a leadership role, focusing on maintaining team morale. “I always tried to avoid conflict and stress… And pull the team together when it got tough.”

Megan, who competed in both solo and group events, had to switch mental gears quickly. “Solo and team routines require different mindsets, but I knew how to adapt when the time came.”

Balancing school with elite dancing wasn’t easy, Megan admitted. “You have to be strategic with your time.” Sarah squeezed schoolwork between late-night rehearsals and hockey practice, while Emily had to let go of certain school commitments to keep her grades, and dancing performances, strong.

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Despite the challenges, the girls found something even more valuable than medals… A sisterhood.

“My dance team feels like a second family,” said Megan. “Exploring Dublin with them made the trip even more special.”

Sarah echoed this. “It was amazing to share this experience with girls who have become family to me.”

“Being friends with the girls you dance with is what made it special for us,” Emily added.

For Megan, the goal is to retain her national title and return to worlds, hoping one day to make the world recall in solos. Sarah is preparing for the upcoming South African Championships and is excited for future local performances. Emily has her sights set on placing at nationals and eventually breaking into the top 50 solo dancers in the world.

“Never give up,” said Megan. “Consistency is what truly makes the difference.”

Sarah added: “Just keep working hard and believe in yourself.”

Emily shared a favourite mantra from her teacher: “Just freaking dance.”

With talent, grit, and unbreakable bonds, these Randburg dancers have shown the world that South African performers belong on the global stage, and at the Robinson Dance Studio, the dream continues… One beat, one step, and one dance at a time.

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