Abigail’s hat-trick of dance awards

Apr 23 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

Abigail’s hat-trick of dance awards

A YOUNG Hamilton girl who was told to give up dancing has defied all the odds to scoop a hat-trick of major Highland dance titles.

Little Abigail McCrae, Westcraigs, was advised by medics not to dance because she sufferers from asthma.

But the determined eight-year-old ignored doctor’s orders to waltz away with the European, British and Central Scotland Highland Dancing championships at her age level.

And to make the achievement even more special, the St Mary’s Primary pupil has only been competing in Highland Dancing for nine months. Mum Kelly-Anne Davis (28) said: “I am over the moon with Abigail’s success. She has come along way in a short space of time and I am very proud of her.”

The youngster last year joined the Julie Morris School of Highland Dancing who meet at the Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre every Thursday between 5.15pm to 7pm.

Dance teacher Julie Morris said she was delighted with Abigail’s success.

“It’s unusual for one girl to win all of the three ‘big’ championships in the one year,” she added.

“It’s a very good achievement for someone her age. It’s all the more remarkable as her doctor told her not to dance because of her asthma.

“She works hard and won’t leave any move until she can do it. She’s a determined little girl.”

Little Abigail clinched the European Championships in Blackpool, British Championship in Paisley Town Hall and the Central Scotland championships in Glasgow’s Kelvinhall.

Abigail’s dreams came true when she met World Highland Dancing champion David Wilton.

And Julie believes Abigail has the potential to follow in David’s footsteps and one day become a World Champion.

Julie added: “Abigail stood in amazement and then ran to tell everyone that she meet David. I think Abigail has the ability to go all the way and become World Champion.”