Our Ireland Adventure - Claddagh Academy of Irish Dance celebrate successful showing in Ireland.
Bringing back the Gold from the land of Green.
Throughout the past year our Claddagh Dancers have maintained an ambitious and productive performance schedule. This year's highlight, though, was our very own Celtic trip to Ireland. What a spectacular, whirl-wind experience the likes of which my students and their parents continue to reminisce.
We here in Billings, Montana are blessed. Firstly, we work hard to reinforce for our dancers and our community of supporters the rich, cultural bonds and traditions between America and Ireland that are tightly locked together. But secondly, we live and breathe every day these interlocking connections between our two peoples. A trip like the one we just got back from is proof in point. Sentimental tears and rollicking laughter are okay to express. There are moments when we are reminded of the sad and joyous times in human history associated between our State of Montana and the country of Ireland. The books continue to be written chronicling the historical events, the Montanans of Irish ancestry, the songs of love and war, the shared cultures-- and of course--the dancing with one another.
Even before the trip's commencement, students, families, and the wider Billing's community assisted us by raising monies to offset our travel expenses. Eight of my students participated in a local Irish Feis in the seaside town of Bray, Co Wicklow.
Over 130 prizes comprising of cups, trophies, medals and ribbons were collected from the competitions. What an achievement! When not dancing, the girls were able to crisscross the country and view the colorful landscapes and interact with the Irish people.
When our dance troupe was heading back home to Billings and crossing the wild Atlantic on the plane, I had some time to deeply reflect. I began to see my dancers not only as improved dancers, but as confident, mature young women. This trip to Ireland was, in a sense, a right-of-passage. Each of these young adults continues to grow in personality and achievement. I'm so very proud of all of them.
It is my prayer that Irish Dance will always be an essential element in each one's development and that the experience of Irish Dance will be a reason why each was able to tackle head-on the inevitable challenges presented in the future.
Enjoy looking at the following photos and reading testimonies from our amazing Ireland Adventure!
"Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh si"
Praise the young and they will flourish
Jacqueline Curtis-Low ADCRG
We here in Billings, Montana are blessed. Firstly, we work hard to reinforce for our dancers and our community of supporters the rich, cultural bonds and traditions between America and Ireland that are tightly locked together. But secondly, we live and breathe every day these interlocking connections between our two peoples. A trip like the one we just got back from is proof in point. Sentimental tears and rollicking laughter are okay to express. There are moments when we are reminded of the sad and joyous times in human history associated between our State of Montana and the country of Ireland. The books continue to be written chronicling the historical events, the Montanans of Irish ancestry, the songs of love and war, the shared cultures-- and of course--the dancing with one another.
Even before the trip's commencement, students, families, and the wider Billing's community assisted us by raising monies to offset our travel expenses. Eight of my students participated in a local Irish Feis in the seaside town of Bray, Co Wicklow.
Over 130 prizes comprising of cups, trophies, medals and ribbons were collected from the competitions. What an achievement! When not dancing, the girls were able to crisscross the country and view the colorful landscapes and interact with the Irish people.
When our dance troupe was heading back home to Billings and crossing the wild Atlantic on the plane, I had some time to deeply reflect. I began to see my dancers not only as improved dancers, but as confident, mature young women. This trip to Ireland was, in a sense, a right-of-passage. Each of these young adults continues to grow in personality and achievement. I'm so very proud of all of them.
It is my prayer that Irish Dance will always be an essential element in each one's development and that the experience of Irish Dance will be a reason why each was able to tackle head-on the inevitable challenges presented in the future.
Enjoy looking at the following photos and reading testimonies from our amazing Ireland Adventure!
"Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh si"
Praise the young and they will flourish
Jacqueline Curtis-Low ADCRG
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The best part was waiting on stage in the first 8 counts. As you waited you ran over the dance in your head then you pointed your toe and you flew through the steps and when the dance was over and the music stopped you felt all of the hard work of the past 4 months payed off.
I had a wonderful experience in my first competition ever, it was fun to dance and also to watch the girls from other studios dance something to the same music but different steps. I am thankful that I was one of the 8 able to go and I hope we get to do it again! Clare Age 14 |
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Visiting and competing in Ireland was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Since I had been dancing for so many years, I had heard so many things about competing in a Feis.
I was lucky enough for my first one to be in Ireland. It was such an amazing experience to compete there, and everyone was so kind and welcoming. After the Feis my Mom and I were fortunate enough to be able to tour Ireland. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and everyone we met was always kind and filled with personality. I will forever be thankful for my trip to Ireland. From the dancing ,to the views, to the people.
Ireland is a place filled with charm that I will never forget.
Kate
Age 15
Since I had been dancing for so many years, I had heard so many things about competing in a Feis.
I was lucky enough for my first one to be in Ireland. It was such an amazing experience to compete there, and everyone was so kind and welcoming. After the Feis my Mom and I were fortunate enough to be able to tour Ireland. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and everyone we met was always kind and filled with personality. I will forever be thankful for my trip to Ireland. From the dancing ,to the views, to the people.
Ireland is a place filled with charm that I will never forget.
Kate
Age 15
My Irish dance teacher, Miss Jakki, took me to Ireland this summer. It was the best time ever! I had never been to Ireland and I was really excited to travel there with my Nana and my Irish dance friends. I got to compete in a Feis where I got to meet Irish kids. I loved winning lots of medals and I really loved winning a big silver cup! I can't wait until we get to do another Irish dance Adventure!
Reata Lynn Age 7 |
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