Dancing To The Rhythm Of Her Heart

Mackay Teacher Claims Back-To-Back World Titles

By Hannah McNamara

From the moment five-year-old Sarah Purnell saw Irish dancing on The Wiggles, something stirred deep in her bones ... a rhythm, a calling, a spark. That spark has now lit up the world stage three times over, with Sarah recently crowned Under 32 World Champion at the 2025 World Irish Dancing Championships in Liège, Belgium — an extraordinary back-to-back feat following her Under 30 victory last year.

“I’ve just won the Under 32 category at the World Championships… a back-to-back title win which was very exciting,” Sarah said.

“We were aiming for top three, but to get the win was absolutely a surprise.”

Dancing against the world’s best, Sarah entered the final rounds in second place. But it was her flawless traditional round and powerful solo that secured her the top spot.

“Round three – the traditional set – bumped me into first place and then my final solo sealed the win.”

What makes this triumph even more remarkable is that Sarah trains entirely in Mackay.

“We’re now a school of multiple world champions, based in Mackay.

“It’s amazing that we can literally train world champions right here.”

At Claddagh School of Irish Dance, Sarah is both a mentor and a marvel.

“As an assistant teacher now, seeing others improve is just as exciting as my own success.”

She trains up to 20 hours a week, balancing dance, gym, and recovery, which are all necessary due to her hypermobility syndrome.

“I injure really quickly… so recovery is crucial.”

This journey hasn’t been easy. In 2023, Sarah feared her dancing days were behind her, sidelined by degenerative arthritis and nerve damage in both feet. But thanks to over 150 prolotherapy injections from Pioneer Podiatry Mackay, she is now dancing pain-free for the first time in years.

“Being able to dance pain-free again… brings me so much joy – I couldn’t imagine my life any other way.”

Her dedication spans years of competition, from representing Mackay at local eisteddfods and being crowned a three-time undefeated Australian Champion, to inspiring students at Mackay State High School where she teaches.

And though her titles are many, her mission is humble.

“If I can do it at 30, from Mackay, then anyone can. It’s about finding joy and working hard, not just chasing titles.”

With unmatched resilience, Sarah isn’t just winning titles, she’s shaping what’s possible for regional dancers.

“My teacher Colette Shields opened up the longevity of Irish dancing for me…she made me believe I could keep going so I’d love to give a major shoutout to her.”

While she's looking to defend her three-time undefeated Australian Champion title again at the next one, her true passion lies in the joy of the dance, seeing improvement, and inspiring the next generation.

If you would like to explore the joy of Irish dance or simply take that first step, visit www.irishdancemackay.com

From a childhood spark watching Irish dance on The Wiggles, Mackay’s Sarah Purnell has triumphed as a three-time world champion—overcoming injury and training locally to inspire the next generation with her passion and resilience. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Beyond the spotlight of Belgium’s world championships, Sarah Purnell’s true victory lies in inspiring regional dancers and redefining what’s possible from Mackay’s dance floors. Photos supplied

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