Townsville Highland dancer Ellie Murgha has placed third in the Juvenile World Highland Dancing Championships at Cowal, Dunoon, Scotland. This makes Ellie the first Far North Queensland Highland dancer to qualify for the World Championships and be placed in the top six. 

 This remarkable achievement adds to her growing list of accolades, having also won the British Overseas Championship Under 16 in Musselburgh, Scotland. 

Ellie’s journey in 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. She claimed multiple titles, including the British Open Champion and Bute Open Champion. Ellie won the Canadian Open Championship 14 Years in July and is currently the Queensland, Australian and Commonwealth Champion. 

Ellie is one of a group of Australian dancers who travelled to Scotland in August to take part in competitions. Ellie performed for HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Braemar Gathering on September 7th. 

Ellie’s mother, Jessica and her grandmother, Leanne, both accomplished Highland dancers themselves, have been key influences, making Ellie a third-generation champion in this demanding and elegant art form. 

Ellie’s mother is a teacher at Aviemore Highland Dancers in Townsville. Her success is a testament to her dedication and the strong support system around her, including her teacher, Cathy Rees, of Speyside Highland Dancers, who has played a pivotal role in Ellie’s growth as a dancer. 

Cathy Rees shared on Facebook: “Ellie had an amazing season in Scotland claiming some impressive titles along the way. Most of all she learnt resilience, determination, gained confidence as a person, grew her passion for Highland dance… and had fun travelling and enjoying the many sights in Scotland too. I am so very proud of these accomplishments and being part of Ellie’s journey to the World Championships.”

As Ellie continues her Highland dancing journey, she remains a source of pride for the Far North Queensland Highland dancing community, which has likened the excitement surrounding her achievements to the fervour of the Olympic Games. 

There is no doubt that Ellie will continue to represent Australia on the global stage.

Pictures: Ellie Murgha came third in the Juvenile World Championships in Scotland. She also danced in front of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Braemar Gathering, where she won Under 16’s dancer of the day. Credit: Facebook.com/Speyside Highland Dancers – City of Casey

This story was first published in the October 2024 edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine