Teen sensation’s family appeals for help funding ‘dream journey’ to the USA.
The family of a talented Milton Keynes-based Irish Dancer is appealing for local sponsorship to help her achieve her goal of competing this year at a world championships in America.
Isla Ruff, 13, has qualified for the World Irish Dancing Championships, which take place this March in Schaumberg, near Chicago. She and five team members from the Herlihy Burgoine School of Irish Dancing in Hazeley have been awarded places at the prestigious dance competition, but travel to the event and accommodation are not provided.
Now mum and dad Jodie and Matt Ruff are hoping that local businesspeople might help them to raise funds for Isla and the other girls to realise their dreams, with sponsorship of the trip.
Isla first tried Irish Dancing in 2019 after spending most of her younger years in ballet. But after just four months of learning the basics, her dance school closed due to Covid, and she spent 18 months learning steps alone using online sites such as Zoom.
With this almost completely self-taught knowledge Isla entered her first competition in 2021 and won two 1st places and two 2nds. She went on to become Great Britain Preliminary Champion in 2023, elevating her to compete at the top 'Championship' level of her sport in January 2024.
“Isla has achieved all this in such a short amount of time,” said Jodie. “She is an incredibly hard worker, training five days a week in dance related practice and personal training, she always puts her dance first and has always had a clear goal that she wanted to achieve a qualifying position at the World Irish Dancing Championships.”
Isla achieved qualification in November at the Southern Regional 'Oireachtas' world qualifying competition. She came 4th out of 31 dancers in south England, one of the most competitive regions in the country.
“We are the proudest parents of Isla and all that she has achieved in her Irish Dance journey so far. To qualify for the ‘worlds’ has been Isla's dream for a few years,” said Jodie.
“She trains hard, has been learning about nutrition for additional strength training, and travels around the country most weekends competing. The 4 and 5am wake up calls to prepare for the 10 hour days ahead has all been worth it to watch her achieve her ultimate goal.
“There’s no funding at all for the trip. I have organised a music bingo night and all of the funds raised for that will go to the dancers who are travelling to Chicago, but it’s very expensive. We’re hoping to appeal to local businesses who have supported young athletes and schools before, and I have sent a message to various Milton Keynes companies – but I haven’t heard anything back yet.
“If there are any local businesses or corporations who are interested in sponsoring Isla and the young athletes in their field to reach their dream of dancing on these world stages, please do contact our dance school.”
For more details contact the Herlihy Burgoine School Of Irish Dancing: herlihyirishdancing@hotmail.co.uk.
