Young Irish dancers make a return to toe-tapping action

Young Irish dancers make a return to toe-tapping action

21 April 2021

THE easing of restrictions afforded dancers from then locally-based Brennan Miskelly McCormick School of Irish Dancing to return to outdoor classes last week.

The school, which normally hosts classes in Downpatrick, Crossgar, Teconnaught and Castlewellan, was delighted to get back in action following five months of lockdown and online zoom classes.

The week culminated in a presentation of certificates to the dancers who competed at an online feis run by An Comhairle Uladh. 

The school entered 35 dancers in this first ever online feis. It was a new and exciting experience for teachers, parents and dancers alike and the school is delighted with its results. Every child entered clinched a coveted sash and many dancers attained a top three placing.

The class had entries in every age group. Results were fantastic with grade winners in various competitions being promoted to the next level. 

Principal teacher Josephine Brennan King said: “All our preliminary and championship dancers made the podium places with entries for the feis far exceeding anyone’s expectations. 

“We are so proud of our dancers. They have displayed fantastic resilience in unprecedented times.

“Each child has continued to dance and improve. It is so good to see everyone again and return to class, albeit outdoors. Whilst on line classes filled the void, there is nothing that comes close to dancing together.

“We have been overwhelmed with the kind messages from parents and are looking forward to a fun packed dancing calendar.”

During lockdown many of the dancers were also afforded a unique opportunity to collaborate with three-time world champion David Geaney.

Following a two hour on-line workshop, dancers were given new material to perfect at home and then upload. The collaboration included dancers from all over Ulster and featured 10 members of our class.

The dancers enjoyed the experience and were delighted to see the final collaboration video on An Comhairle Uladh’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Following on from all this hard work dancers were rewarded for their dedication and commitment to the class with ice cream from Brennan’s. 

For further information on classes please contact Christine McCormick 07711 189650 or message the school’s Facebook and Instagram pages.