4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford dancers win at Urdd National Eisteddfod Therw 2025
Children and young adults from Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd took part in the Urdd National Eisteddfod Therw in Margam Park from Monday, May 26 to Saturday, May 31.
Overall, the school achieved four 1st places, five 2nd finishes and two 3rd places.
Winners of the under 10's competition. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) Founder of Jennifer Maloney, Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd said: 'I am very proud of the children. They have done so well. I have been teaching for 49 years, and I will celebrate my fiftieth anniversary next year.
'I first started in 1976, so I have taught lessons to thousands of children over the years. I love seeing the younger children perform, who are as young as four years old, and it gives them a lot of confidence. I feel so proud to see them on the stage.
'At the same time, when I see the older students perform who range from 17 to 25 years old, I find it overwhelming because I have taught them since the age of four and I'm proud to see them dance to such a high standard. It gives me so much pleasure.
'I am 74 years old this year, but I have such a good team with me, and I am so grateful for their help. I hope this will continue in the years to come.'
The under 25 dancing group from Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd teaches children from eight different schools, including five comprehensive ones.
The organisation meets twice a week for lessons on singing, dancing and reciting.
However, during preparation for the Urdd National Eisteddfod, they practice four times per week.
Alys won best performance of the competition. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) Jennifer continued: 'We have previously taught people like Alex Jones from the One Show, Alexandra Roach and Simon Watts. They have all said they wouldn't be in the position they are now without the lessons they had with us growing up.
'The parents of the children are very supportive. We have to ask parents to bring the children to each practice. They love seeing their children on stage. It's a big honour for them.
'The Urdd National Eisteddfod is so important for Welsh culture. It's important for children to keep their Welsh language.'
Winners of the under 12 action song. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) To celebrate her 50th anniversary, Jennifer and 65 of her dancers will go and perform in Pantagonia, a Welsh colony in Argentina, during Easter next year.
Urdd National Eisteddfod Therw is a celebration of Welsh language, culture and young talent, which sees around 15,000 children compete every year.
