Prodijig dancer returns home

IRISH dancer and Prodijig member Darren Casey returned to Dundalk last weekend to celebrate winning the final of Got To Dance, Britain’s biggest national dance competition.

The 22-year-old from Fatima came home for a short visit to see family and friends who threw a surprise party for him in The Claret Lounge.

Darren is pictured at The Claret with his proud parents, Tom and Lisa. He is also shown with his siblings, brother, Barry, and sisters, Leanda and Michelle.

Got To Dance concluded in a gripping finale on Sunday, March 4 last. The programme was shown live on Sky 1 HD and Sky 3D and featured ten acts who battled it out to be crowned Got To Dance Winner 2012.

It was Darren’s dance troupe Prodijig who amazed the judges and viewers alike with their unique contemporary twist on traditional Irish dance and went on to claim £250,000, the largest ever cash prize won from a TV talent show.

Prodijig beat fellow finalists: A Team, Antics, Boadicea, Fear of the Unknown, Kazzum, Methods of Movement, Sweet Surprise, Tayluer and Elliott, Unity UK to lift the Got To Dance 2012 crown.

Darren told The Dundalk Democrat that he had been really looking forward to coming home to see family and friends. He also thanked all of this supporters and everyone who voted for him in the community.

Darren’s mother, Linda, said: “It was absolutely fantastic having him home. He flew in on Thursday and on Friday we went to The Windsor because he wanted to do something for me for Mother’s Day.

“He just thought we were going for a meal and would come back home and open a bottle of wine but we went to The Claret after we had eaten for a surprise party.

“He got the shock of his life when he saw everyone there, all of his aunties and uncles and cousins. The place was packed and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Darren put on an impromtu performance and danced for the crowd of well-wishers at The Claret. He returned to London yesterday (Monday, March 26).

“We don’t know when he will be back again as he is so busy at the moment giving interviews and performing,” said Linda.