Elevate dancers sparkle at world cup qualifiers

All the groups from Elevate Academy of Dance who took to the stage to compete in the Dance World Cup 2026 qualifiers won through to the finals, to be held in Dublin in July.

The qualifying rounds were held over four days in early April, also in Dublin, and the Elevate performers danced to their highest ability alongside the top dance schools, ballet companies and stage schools from across Ireland.

The results speak for themselves, as all the groups qualified and five of the seven (competing in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Commercial/Hip Hop) finished in first place. Also, two of the groups won the top awards from the judges.

Elevate also delivered strong performances in duos and solo categories as multiple routines earned top placements and qualification spots.

The Dance World Cup is the largest all-genre international dance competition for children and young adults, and it draws representatives from all continents. Some 120,000 dancers, aged from four to 25 years, try to qualify to represent their countries.

The finals are in different locations, and as each country has only five to eight places per age group and genre, it’s an honour for the dancers from Elevate Academy of Dance to be representing Ireland in what is considered the Olympics of Dance, taking place at the Convention Centre, Dublin on July 8-18.

The whole building is booked for 11 days from the early mornings to late evenings to accommodate the 10,000 dancers from 54 countries who will be present.

In total, Elevate Academy of Dance have 16 dancers taking part in 29 dances throughout the 11 days. The two teams qualified in all seven group dances; first in Armageddon Junior Lyrical; I’ll never love again ‘Senior Lyrical’; Fashionista ‘Senior Commercial’; Hollywood Wiz ‘Children Jazz’; Steam Heat and judges choice award ‘Senior Jazz’; plus third in False Confidence ‘Contemporary Junior’; and fourth in To Build a Home ‘Contemporary Group Large.’

They put in months of preparation for the qualifiers, and now they focus on July and the finals.

Sponsorship and fundraising

Participation is costly for dancers, due to travel expenses for 11 days, the Irish team kit, event fees and new costumes, and Elevate are organising fundraisers in the lead-up to the event.

They are also offering business sponsorship packages; Elevate will promote sponsors on their social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok), wear their logos on their Irish team kit and promote them at their annual show, other dance events and further competitions. They said they are open to further suggestions on how best to promote sponsors.

Contact Aimee MacManus, creative director; info@elevatedance.ie or 087 9851 452.