Champion Irish dance teacher from Dartford appears on TOWIE (From News Shopper)

Champion Irish dance teacher from Dartford appears on TOWIE

9:33am Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Khaleda Rahman

A FORMER champion Irish Dance teacher who appeared on The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) last Sunday is encouraging youngsters to join her beginners class in Dartford.

Leanne Gray, 22, of Little Heath Road in Bexleyheath, started dancing at the age of seven with sister Caroline, 19, at the Marie Martin School of Irish Dance, Dartford.

Leanne has won several major titles, including All Ireland, British National and was placed second in the World Championships in 2009.

She qualified as an Irish Dance teacher last November and despite teaching dancers of all levels at the McGahan-Lees Academy, opened up her class at the Dartford Irish Club for beginners aged three and up last December.

She said: "We are looking to bring through the next generation of children - it is a great form of exercise for them, builds character and also gives them an opportunity to make new friends.

"My sister and I have learnt the most valuable life lessons from competing and travelling the world and we now want to pass our knowledge and experience onto younger children."

She added: "I want people in this area to see achievement."

Leanne and Caroline featured on the ITV show when the cast celebrated St Patrick's Day with a party organised by James 'Arg' Argent.

The pair have also appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here, but retired from competing last year.

Classes are held at the Dartford Irish Club, 43 Overy Street, Dartford.

Prospective dancers are invited to attend an open day on May 18 from 12pm until 4pm.