World Class: Teen wins World Dancing title and secures film role

A  Knocklyon teenager is making waves in both the acting and dancing industries, having recently been crowned a dancing champion and securing the lead role in a Warner Brothers film.

Katelyn Rose Downey, 13, balances her creative endeavours with her studies as a second year pupil in St Colmcille’s Community School in Knocklyon.

Earlier this month, Katelyn retained her An Chomhdháil World Irish Dancing Champion title for the second year in a row in the INEC in Killarney.

Her acting work is also gathering pace, as she just finished filming a lead role in the Warner Brothers’ next instalment of ‘The Conjuring Universe’ franchise.

Katelyn will also star in the upcoming crime thriller series ‘Clean Sweep’ which will air on RTÉ One in May 2023.

Speaking to The Echo this month, the talented young performer detailed what she enjoys about both acting and dancing, and how her dream would be to incorporate both into a role.

“I love getting lost in a character and bringing my character to life on set,” she explained.

“I have met so many incredible and inspiring people in such a short space of time.

Katelyn Rose Downey

“The cast and crew on the projects I have worked on have made my experience so far unforgettable.

“I also love dancing for so many reasons.

“My teachers have taught me so many things that I will always carry with me: to never give up on anything and always believe that with hard work you can achieve your dreams!

“I also love dancing because of the friends I have made.

“I love them both! Maybe someday I will get to incorporate both of them and play a dancer in a movie. That would be amazing!”

Dancing is in the blood for Katelyn, as her mother and aunty run the WTA Dance Studio in Templeogue and she began taking lessons there from age four.

Acting, however, only became a part of Katelyn’s life after she started taking online acting classes during the pandemic and found she had a love for the art form.

When asked about what path she’d like to take when she grows up, Katelyn said: “Dancing will always be a big part of my life, but I would love to continue acting as I get older.

“I am very grateful for every opportunity I have been given so far in my career and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

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