tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303997147095783002024-03-16T11:51:48.813-07:00GonefeisingA Gathering Place for Adults Who Love Irish DanceChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-8569787967839939742012-11-14T13:28:00.003-07:002012-11-14T13:50:15.987-07:00Irish dancing, cooking, and literature, follow me on my new site.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVCC0lzvAEM/UKP90pKNT3I/AAAAAAAACRE/M3T8wz7qPpk/s1600/dearest+dreams+banner+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVCC0lzvAEM/UKP90pKNT3I/AAAAAAAACRE/M3T8wz7qPpk/s400/dearest+dreams+banner+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm moving. Not physically moving, because we did that in March, and, believe me, I'm not going to want to do that again until the number of kiddos in this house decreases. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've decided to streamline my online presence and blog on one site that includes a little cooking, a little reading, a little Irish dancing, and a little rambling. I think it will be fun, and I hope you will like it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, head on over to my main blog at <a href="http://www.christydorrity.com/">www.christydorrity.com</a> right now and follow me there so that I won't have to lose you! </div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-53553609073207979132012-08-21T13:29:00.000-07:002012-08-21T13:29:00.629-07:00Book Review and Interview: Heidi Will, author of The Ghillie Girls<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Heidi Will is the author and illustrator of The Ghillie Girls: Irish Dance Pals, published in 2008 by Cinealta Press. Will based her book on the experiences she and her friends had in Irish dance. Visit Heidi Will online at <a href="http://www.ghilliegirls.com/">www.ghilliegirls.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_am7C2dXX1v8/TJPILunJMNI/AAAAAAAAAgM/uv-x7glucO0/s1600/ghilliegirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_am7C2dXX1v8/TJPILunJMNI/AAAAAAAAAgM/uv-x7glucO0/s320/ghilliegirls.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Ghille Girls introduces four very different girls who have one thing in common: a love for Irish dance. Heidi Will uses these girls to illustrate the terms, and language that is unique to Irish dance. Vocabulary blurbs define the words that are sometimes foreign to the beginning Irish dancer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bold and colorful, the illustrations show striking colors reminiscent of the flamboyant solo dresses often worn in competition. The cut-out style of the pictures make me think of paper dolls.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love the information page in the back that includes vocabulary, basic Irish dance history and directions of where to find an Irish dance school.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are thrilled to be able to have Heidi Will with us on the blog today. </div>
<br />
<br />
Feis America: What prompted you to write about Irish dance?<br />
<br />
Heidi Will: I initially wrote The Ghillie Girls as a Christmas present for three of my Irish dance friends. Kim (“Addy”) had moved away from Phoenix to New Hampshire, Beki (“Libby”) and I had stopped dancing competitively, and Jacqui (“Keelin”) was the only one left at our old dance school. It seemed that we were drifting apart, and I wanted to do something to bring us together and celebrate the friendship we had developed through Irish dance. It started as The Wig Sisters, which is what we called ourselves. That first version was quite a bit different than the final published version of The Ghillie Girls (I changed the name to make it more specific to Irish dance). I printed copies for everyone and they loved it, and suggested I publish it. I decided to tweak the book to be an introduction to Irish dance in the hopes of exposing more people to this wholesome and enriching art form. I happened to stumble across the Irish dance world in my college years, and still view it as a well-kept secret that needs to be shared!<br />
<br />
Feis America: Your illustrations are unique, how did you design them?<br />
<br />
Heidi Will: Thanks! I considered many different illustration styles and finally chose a simple, modern look. I love color (as one can tell instantly upon entering my home) and so I had fun making the book very bright and colorful. The illustrations translate well into <a href="http://www.ghilliegirls.com/fungames/activities.html">coloring pages</a>, which I use a lot with my own Irish dance students at the Phoenix Irish Cultural Center.<br />
<br />
Feis America: What were the challenges you had in bringing your book to life?<br />
<br />
Heidi Will: I wanted to make the book accessible to non-dancers so I got feedback from several people who knew nothing about Irish dance to be sure that I explained things that dancers take for granted—especially the pronunciation of Irish words. Since every Irish dance school does things a little differently and calls things by different names, I consulted people from different schools and regions to make the book as accurate as possible. It was hard to decide if I should seek a traditional publisher for my book, or attempt to self-publish. I finally chose the self-publishing route, because it allowed me to have complete control over the final product. As a graphic designer, I enjoyed every aspect of the process—writing, illustration, and layout design.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">_________________</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-aspects-of-the-history-of-irish-dancing-by-dr-john-cullinane-163739216.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Book Review:"Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing by Dr. John Cullinane</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-norah-and-the-irish-dresser-series-by-cynthia-g-neale---video-160108035.html#ixzz21ZdOgKfi">Book Review, Norah and The Irish Dresser series by Cynthia G. Neale - VIDEO</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-norah-and-the-irish-dresser-series-by-cynthia-g-neale---video-160108035.html#ixzz21ZdOgKfi"><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-the-little-book-of-inspiration-for-irish-dancers-by-sean-connolly---video-150970475.html#ixzz21Zdg9NPE">Book Review:"The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers" by Sean Connolly - VIDEO</a></span></span><br />
__________________<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
Feis America: Do you have future plans for the Ghillie Girls?<br />
<br />
Heidi Will: I have more books in mind, if I can make the time to write them. I would love to write about the adventures we had while competing in Irish dance. We had so much fun traveling together; going to Oireachtas, taking road trips, visiting friends across the country while “feising.” I would also like to explore the struggles we had, competing against each other. Sometimes it really strained our friendship, but in the end, I value our friendship and the memories we made so much more than any medal I won. That is what I want to communicate to young Irish dancers: to appreciate what is really important, and not to get hung up on winning.<br />
<br />
Feis America: Can you share anything with us from what you are currently working on?<br />
<br />
Heidi Will: The book that has taken the most shape in my mind tells the story of how the Ghillie Girls meet and become the Ghillie Girls. It is longer, with more words and fewer illustrations. I’m also working on a coloring and activity book.<br />
<br />
Feis America: Thank you for sharing the inside scoop with us. We look forward to reading more about the Ghillie Girls.<br />
<br />
To find out more information, purchase The Ghillie Girls, and print off free coloring pages, visit <a href="http://www.ghilliegirls.com/">www.ghilliegirls.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span><br />
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-63863847988438130532012-08-14T13:22:00.002-07:002012-08-14T13:22:33.678-07:00Renowned Irish dance camp welcomes young adult Irish dancers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsFSPf51Jm0/T9eiAyyo1II/AAAAAAAABuo/RrJqnUOCW-8/s1600/CRC+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsFSPf51Jm0/T9eiAyyo1II/AAAAAAAABuo/RrJqnUOCW-8/s320/CRC+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Camp Rince Ceol Irish dance camp</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Courtesy Sheila Ryan-Davoren</span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For thirteen years, <a href="http://www.irishdancecamp.com/index.html" target="_blank">Camp Rince Ceol</a> has been known as the camp “where Irish dancers spend their summers.” Now, young adults, ages 19-24, have a chance to experience the highly acclaimed Irish dance camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp Rince Ceol is a summer camp for Irish dancers who want to increase their knowledge of all things Irish dance. Sheila Ryan-Davoren, TCRG began the camp with her husband, Tony Davoren, after they both toured with Riverdance in the Lee Company. Together, they formed a camp that combines an intense study of the sport of Irish dancing with a fun summer camp experience. Sheila says, “I wanted to incorporate summer-time feeling with classroom instruction.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHK0y6_lTKc/T9eh-JKAlPI/AAAAAAAABug/CGtUqjRwiAs/s1600/CRC+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHK0y6_lTKc/T9eh-JKAlPI/AAAAAAAABug/CGtUqjRwiAs/s320/CRC+circle.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Campers take a break from classes<br />at Camp Rince Ceol<br />Photo: Courtesy Sheila Ryan-Davoren</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After receiving many requests to allow older dancers to attend camp, Sheila and Tony decided to invite dancers ages 19-24 to attend Camp Rince Ceol. During the third session of camp in New York, young adults will come together to increase their learning of Irish dance and culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young adult dancers receive all of the benefits of their younger counterparts: a full curriculum of core classes, bonus classes, amazing meals, clean rooms (no tents here), night-time activities, and an opportunity to showcase what they have learned. In addition to the regular privileges, young adults get a few extra perks. They are allowed the use of cell phones, have access to a Wi-Fi network during camp, and are treated to an off-campus dinner with instructors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sheila wants Irish dancers to have a great experience socializing, having fun and sharing the love of Irish dance. Sheila says, “Camp is fun, but we are there for a reason—the kids work hard. “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xUMECSZ4bM/T9eiBTB9mqI/AAAAAAAABuw/M0fbGxz_PQc/s1600/CRC+hand+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xUMECSZ4bM/T9eiBTB9mqI/AAAAAAAABuw/M0fbGxz_PQc/s320/CRC+hand+dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Camp Rince Ceol campers "hand dancing"<br />Photo: Courtesy Sheila Ryan-Davoren</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What you should know about Camp Rince Ceol:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of the Irish dance instructors at Camp Rince Ceol are former touring group members from such shows as <i>Riverdance</i> and <i>Lord of the Dance</i>. A list of instructors can be found on the <a href="http://www.irishdancecamp.com/index.html" target="_blank">Camp Rince Ceol website.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp Rince Ceol is open to campers ages 8-24.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to core Irish dancing classes, other classes include language, sports (hurling, rugby), show steps, behind the scenes, ballet, yoga, foot care, rhythm and timing, footwork, stage presence, and Irish dance and music history.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Camp Rince Ceol has been approved by An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha as an "Open Workshop" for 2012 and therefore is exempt from any association/affiliation rules.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two locations: Dunn School, Los Olivos, California and Union College in Schenectady, New York.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young adults are invited to attend Camp Rince Ceol in New York during the week of July 29<sup>th</sup>-August 3<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information please see <a href="http://www.irishdancecamp.com/index.html" target="_blank">Camp Rince Ceol’s website.</a><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/guaranteed-fun-summer-camp-themes-for-irish-dancing-schools-155420765.html#ixzz1wIew7jZb" target="_blank">Guaranteed fun summer camp themes for Irish dancing schools</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/healthy-irish-dancing/try-interval-training-this-summer-to-step-up-competitive-irish-dancing-154964625.html#ixzz1wIf3pJAz" target="_blank">Try Interval training this summer to step up competitive Irish dancing</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/adult-irish-dancer-spotlight-on-fun-and-friendship-at-georgias-drake-school-157800335.html#ixzz1xcEhWKRh" target="_blank">Adult Irish dancer spotlight on fun and friendship at Georgia's Drake School</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Camp Rince Ceol<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0WMhtes4MvY" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-90454229745618232792012-08-14T13:00:00.001-07:002012-08-14T13:00:12.194-07:00Irish Dance Diet - A Change of Scenery <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pb0bl6SqFE/UCqr5daoV3I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/EVTKxJMGykI/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pb0bl6SqFE/UCqr5daoV3I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/EVTKxJMGykI/s320/IMG_1150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my cabin last week<br />photo by Christy Dorrity </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />It's been a few weeks since I've posted and I think it's been good for me to think about other things besides my weight. I find that sometimes, when I am obsessing about it, I start to sabatoge myself. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last week I went on a writing retreat for an entire week, by myself, in a little cabin on my parent's trout ranch and resort. My loving husband worked from home to be with the kids and let me do this wonderful thing. I ended up writing over 25,000 words in my YA novel (about Irish dance, of course). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You would think that sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day would kill my diet, but I actually lost 2 pounds during that week! Here's why:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1-I was distracted.</div>
<div>
When I involve myself in things I enjoy, I don't even think about eating. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2-Because I was excited about something, I didn't use food to fill the void of boredom or entertainment. </div>
<div>
I was on a sort of high from doing so much creative writing that I didn't even want to eat, let alone overeat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3-I wasn't in the kitchen as much. </div>
<div>
While I was gone I packed healthy foods to have on hand, sat down to meals at my mom's table (thanks mom), and allowed myself a small treat -the key being small. I'm trying to figure out ways to apply this to my every-day life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4-I made a decision not to eat while I was writing. </div>
<div>
Mindlessly munching on chocolate covered cinnamon bears while I'm reading or writing, or watching TV is the equivalent of smearing them onto my hips! I don't even realize I'm eating and it's not a good idea. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5-I was surrounded by inspiring scenery.</div>
<div>
I felt relaxed and wanted to "drink in" all of the beauty around me. It gave me a positive boost and helped me keep perspective. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What ways do a change of scenery help you in your goals, weight loss, or otherwise?</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
Weight lost= It's been a few weeks and I've lost about 3 pounds</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Total weight loss= 6.5<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-49055871265934501532012-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:29:12.197-07:00Darrah Carr Irish dance group nominated for a Bessie Award - VIDEO<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gR21fXubIKc/UBvr3LopihI/AAAAAAAAB6g/8SwEbEJEp6Q/s1600/GreenBoxGroup.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gR21fXubIKc/UBvr3LopihI/AAAAAAAAB6g/8SwEbEJEp6Q/s320/GreenBoxGroup.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Darrah Carr Dance </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Lois Greenfield</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Irish dance performance group Darrah Carr Dance, and guest choreographer Seán Curran have been nominated for a 2012 New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie Award) for "Outstanding Production of a Work that Pushes the Boundaries of a Traditional or Culturally Specific Form”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Artistic director Darrah Carr, is thrilled and honored to receive the nomination. Grateful to the Bessie Selection Committee and to Seán Curran, Carr says, “This nomination would not have been possible without the boundless energy of my company members, and the steadfast support of our presenting partners at the Irish Arts Center and at Gotham Arts Exchange.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnFlDzHOeA4/UBvr3yOPlHI/AAAAAAAAB6o/CbsRlCWJpV0/s1600/Darrah+Solo+One.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnFlDzHOeA4/UBvr3yOPlHI/AAAAAAAAB6o/CbsRlCWJpV0/s320/Darrah+Solo+One.jpeg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Artistic Director, Darrah Carr </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Lois Greenfield</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Darrah Carr trained in both competitive Irish dance and classical ballet from ages six to sixteen. When she began her training in modern dance, she learned to relax her arms and torso and work with gravity. “I realized that in modern dance, bucking tradition was the traditional way of doing things,” Carr says. “I began to explore how I could reconcile two very differnt types of training to create a distinctive choreographic voice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So began “ModERIN”, a play on words that combines contemporary modern dance with “Erin”, an Anglicized word for Ireland. The result is what Darr describes as “a process of fusion, and a tightly woven marriage of modern dance freedom, and Irish dance structure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Darrah Carr Dance group began in New York in 1998. The group performs extensivly, not only in New York, but in such venues as Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and The Yard at Martha’s Vineyard, to name a few. Recently the group performed on NBC’s “The Today Show”, with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and featured “Dingle Dewali” at Symphony Space, for which they have been nominated for the Bessie Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I source from two genres,” Carr says, “traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. Dance in Ireland traditionally happened at a crossroads, a reminder to respect the road that led me to a place of intersecting genres, while simultaneously remaining curious about the path that lies ahead.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VDXn13OLh0/UBvr61ONbmI/AAAAAAAAB6w/oLMwpsFaDjw/s1600/DingleDiwaliMudrasLine.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VDXn13OLh0/UBvr61ONbmI/AAAAAAAAB6w/oLMwpsFaDjw/s320/DingleDiwaliMudrasLine.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Darrah Carr Dance in "Dingle Diwali" </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Matthew Murphy</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only does the Darrah Carr group inspire from the stage, they also seek to spread their dance expertise through a junior troupe, DCWee, and an outreach program that travels the country. Carr says, “I am proud to spread awareness and appreciation for Irish music and dance through our educational and outreach programs." Carr loves doing school assembly performances. Often the children ask imaginative questions such as if leprechauns are real, and whether or not the group has seen one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Many of the performers and students involved with Darrah Carr Dance, and the outreach program are adult Irish dancers. Carr enjoys teaching adults in a relaxed and low-key atmosphere. “</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I also find that adult dancers really <i>want </i>to be at class, which makes them really engaged, and eager students.”</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>---------------<span style="font-size: 13pt;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/New-York-Irish-Arts-Center-launches-fall-season-of-theatre-dance-music-film-and-more-164731466.html#ixzz22c54GizF" target="_blank">Irish Arts Center launches fall season of theatre, dance, music, film, and more</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/irish-dance-competitions-for-adult-irish-dancers-in-august-164766086.html#ixzz22c596qt7" target="_blank">Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers in August</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/doherty-senior-ladies-ceili-are-british-national-irish-dancing-champions---team-results-164298316.html#ixzz22c5CG5Go" target="_blank">Doherty Senior Ladies Ceili are British National Irish Dancing Champions - Team Results</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">---------------</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzFZpivXcfk/UBvsGILYquI/AAAAAAAAB64/zj3LHir_Iv0/s1600/TimDingleDiwaliLeap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzFZpivXcfk/UBvsGILYquI/AAAAAAAAB64/zj3LHir_Iv0/s320/TimDingleDiwaliLeap.jpeg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Darrah Carr Dance company member Timothy Kochka in "Dingle Diwali" </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Matthew Murphy</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Artistic director Darrah Carr is excited about the paths that Irish dance is headed down. Many dancers who retire from touring with the major shows, such as <i>Riverdance</i> and <i>Lord of the Dance</i>, are still interested in performance opportunitites. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of these dancers,” Carr says. “They have exquisite technique and incredibly open minds.”<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Darrah Carr Dance group will be dancing their annual New York season at the Irish Arts Center November 16-18<sup>th</sup>. For more information go to <a href="http://www.irishartscenter.org/">www.irishartscenter.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find out more about Darrah Carr Dance, the DCWee junior troupe, and outreach programs at <a href="http://www.darrahcarrdance.com/">www.darrahcarrdance.com</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darrah Carr Dance -VIDEO</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HFpDC8R8_vc" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-68923407391087891722012-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:28:08.452-07:00Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers in August<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVR1qjXhb4E/UBbx_9ReKJI/AAAAAAAAB6I/UZv79lMYrDE/s1600/Rachel+Joy+Beaton+school+adults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVR1qjXhb4E/UBbx_9ReKJI/AAAAAAAAB6I/UZv79lMYrDE/s400/Rachel+Joy+Beaton+school+adults.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Adult Irish dancers from Beaton School of Irish Dance in Maryland, USA<br />
Photo: Courtesy Rachel Joy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Many feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) offer competitions for adult Irish dancers. Here's a quick glance at feiseanna that welcome adult Irish dancers in August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers, and keep an eye out for those feiseanna who are offering slow speed dances for adults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Source: <a href="http://www.feisworx.com/" target="_blank">www.feisworx.com </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship</span></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.tworiversfeile.com/" target="_blank">Two Rivers Feile 2012</a></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Des Moines, IA - Aug 3, 2012 to Aug 4, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Iowa Irish, Inc.</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speed only<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Arizona State Championships & Feis 2012</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Phoenix, AZ - Aug 4, 2012 to Aug 5, 2012<br />McTeggart, AZ</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2,3 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">parent/child special</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #ccffcc;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.milwaukeefeis.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Feis 2012</a></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Milwaukee, WI - Aug 11, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Milwaukee Feis Society</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speed and slow speed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">any figure<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">parent/child specials</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://midadance.mcmenaminacademy.com/" target="_blank">McMenamin Academy Feis 2012</a></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Milwaukee, WI - Aug 12, 2012<br />McMenamin Academy of Irish Dance</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speed only<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Southern Tier Feis 2012</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Binghamton, NY - Aug 18, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Carle Irish Dance Co.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no figures<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">parent/child special</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.greatlakesfeis.org/" target="_blank">Great Lakes Feis 2012</a></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Lansing, MI - Aug 19, 2012<br />Ardan Academy</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">FF/B1, B2, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speed or slow speed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,8 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.idacwy.com/" target="_blank">Cowboy State Feis 2012</a></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Casper, WY - Aug 25, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Irish Dance Association of Central WY</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2,3 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">parent/child special</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>St. Louis Gateway Feis 2012</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">St. Louis, MO - Aug 25, 2012<br />St. Louis Gateway Feis Society</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no figures<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://kcfeis.com/" target="_blank">Kansas City Feis 2012</a></b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Kansas City, MO - Aug 31, 2012 to Sep 1, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">O'Riada-McCarty-Manning Academy</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you have a photo of your adult class practicing or performing that you would like to see featured, please <a href="mailto:christy@dorrity.net" target="_blank">email me</a>.<span style="background-color: white;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-11909711945308385292012-07-25T13:26:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:27:15.992-07:00Book Review: Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing by Dr. John Cullinane<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLxJ6eIuKSw/UA7_9D-gIDI/AAAAAAAAB4E/Un_N9-gZ-N0/s1600/JohnCullinane+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLxJ6eIuKSw/UA7_9D-gIDI/AAAAAAAAB4E/Un_N9-gZ-N0/s320/JohnCullinane+(1).jpeg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Dr. John Cullinan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dr. John Cullinane’s book Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing is the first in a library of eight books that provide invaluable information about Irish dance history. Because the Gaelic people passed down their history orally, very little is recorded concerning the roots of Irish dance. Through research, interviews and valuable experience, Dr. Cullinane delivers a rich background of Irish dancing as we know it today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first book is written as a reference guide and covers important aspects of the dance’s history. Dr. Cullinane describes the first Irish dance Ceili held in 1897, records the many remembrances of the infamous dance master, and explains the evolution of feisanna, dance costumes, hand position, as well as ceili and traditional set dances. He then touches briefly on the expansion of Irish dance to England, Australia, New Zealand, North West England and the United States. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Did you know that much of the dances were preserved during the troubled times of 1916-1921 because they were taught in prisons? In Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing, read about the first ever ceili held in 1897 where participants dined on tea and cakes during intermission. Find out how the infamous dancing master sometimes taught in a kitchen or farm outhouse. Learn about a man who was such a gifted dancer that it was said that “He could write with his feet” (p40).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dr. Cullinane’s books are a valuable tool for those who want to understand the history of Irish dance and will help ensure that traditional Irish dance continues to thrive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The New York Times recently published an excellent article with Dr. John Cullinane, regarding Irish dance costumes, and how they have changed over the years. Dr. Cullinane compares the elaborate costumes of today's Irish dancers to those of times gone by, in a positive, and insightful interview. You can read the article here.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">_________________</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-norah-and-the-irish-dresser-series-by-cynthia-g-neale---video-160108035.html#ixzz21ZdOgKfi">Book Review, Norah and The Irish Dresser series by Cynthia G. Neale - VIDEO</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-norah-and-the-irish-dresser-series-by-cynthia-g-neale---video-160108035.html#ixzz21ZdOgKfi"><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-the-little-book-of-inspiration-for-irish-dancers-by-sean-connolly---video-150970475.html#ixzz21Zdg9NPE">Book review:"The Little Book of Inspiration for Irish Dancers" by Sean Connolly - VIDEO</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/book-review-the-little-book-of-inspiration-for-irish-dancers-by-sean-connolly---video-150970475.html#ixzz21Zdg9NPE"><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/olympic-athletes-share-performance-secrets-irish-dancers-can-use-163482556.html#ixzz21ZdjJMnn">Olympic athletes share performance secrets Irish dancers can use</a></span><br />
__________________</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Purchase Dr. Cullinane’s collection of books on Irish dance history at <a href="http://www.feiswear.com/">www.feiswear.com</a> or <a href="http://www.ossianusa.com/">www.ossianusa.com</a>.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Parts of this article was published previously in Feis America Magazine. Read the full review on <a href="http://www.christydorrity.com/">www.christydorrity.com</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-79505482376219407142012-07-23T19:37:00.000-07:002012-07-23T19:37:11.614-07:00Irish Dance Diet - Do you eat in the morning or at night?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSGxv7AKvIg/UA4GWHvAoeI/AAAAAAAAB34/xyIf45ORpz4/s1600/IMG_1089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSGxv7AKvIg/UA4GWHvAoeI/AAAAAAAAB34/xyIf45ORpz4/s320/IMG_1089.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone is different, some people do really well on their diets in the morning, but inhale food when the sun goes down. Others wake up starving and need the bulk of their calories at breakfast in order to make it through the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week, I tried to limit my calorie intake early in the day because I am a night time nosher. It worked pretty good. I made sure to eat protein for breakfast and lunch to tide me over and then I had a good sized dinner. I felt more satisfied and continued to lose weight. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some ideas for you to try to see what time of day you should save those calories for. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1-If you are a night eater, try beginning your diet day at night. So, start counting calories right before dinner, include any night time snacks, then continue your calorie count through breakfast and lunch. If you are normally pretty satisfied with a small lunch, you may not be as disgruntled about having a small or high veggie content lunch. This way you won't feel like you are depriving yourself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2-If you need a healthy breakfast to get you through the day, try pairing a carbohydrate and a protein together, a bowl of fruit and an egg, for instance. You will get more leverage out of the calories and stay full longer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3-Experiment with snacks at different times of the day. I know some people who absolutely have to have a mid-morning snack, and some who cannot make it through the dinner rush if they don't have a little something before they begin preparations. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Knowing how your body works will go a long way to helping you be successful in your weight loss journey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How do you keep tabs on your body's food rhythms? Are you a night eater or a morning eater?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*Just a note, I am so missing my Irish dance class that is on vacation for the month of July. Anyone else relate?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Week sixteen</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Weight lost= -1.0</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Total weight loss= 4.4 pounds<br />
Slow and steady wins the race!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-15362494261653419682012-07-21T13:26:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:26:28.449-07:00New York's O'Rourke adult Irish dancers feel like family - PHOTOS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P72xGrqaQ9k/UAWdVm2jtoI/AAAAAAAAB2s/1cXbqOhB1Ls/s1600/Orourke+dancers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P72xGrqaQ9k/UAWdVm2jtoI/AAAAAAAAB2s/1cXbqOhB1Ls/s320/Orourke+dancers.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">LuAnn O'Rourke and her adult Irish dancer Ladies 8-hand team<br />Photo: courtesy O'Rourke Irish Dancers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The <a href="http://www.orourkeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank">O'Rourke Irish Dancers</a> have a healthy adult Irish dancer program. LuAnne O'Rourke, TCRG, ADCRG began the school in 1995 and it is located in White Plains, New York. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America: How did your adult Irish dancer program begin? </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">LuAnn: </span>After I opened my <span style="background-color: white;">school in 1995, I was approached by an adult to give her private lessons.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
She wanted to learn to Irish dance desperately, but no one in the area <span style="background-color: white;">offered adult classes. I started teaching her after my kids' classes, and </span><span style="background-color: white;">actually enjoyed teaching her. Adults have great attention spans, pick </span><span style="background-color: white;">up quick, and make corrections easily. I found it refreshing after </span><span style="background-color: white;">spending a few hours with young children. Word got out and it snowballed </span><span style="background-color: white;">from there. </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">Feis America: </span>What is the culture like for adult Irish dancers at your school? </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">LuAnn: </span>We <span style="background-color: white;">are like a family. Some of the adults in the school are parents of the </span><span style="background-color: white;">kids dancing. Some of the adult dancers are siblings, and we even have </span><span style="background-color: white;">an engaged couple. We have danced at many of their weddings and have seen </span><span style="background-color: white;">their families grow. The adults are friendly with each other outside of </span><span style="background-color: white;">class as well. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> Lifelong friendships </span><span style="background-color: white;">have been formed, and they support each other in dance and other aspects </span><span style="background-color: white;">of their lives. </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktUHpAhgNSM/UAWdSLNGCfI/AAAAAAAAB2c/DT-KpO9xKOM/s1600/Orourke+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktUHpAhgNSM/UAWdSLNGCfI/AAAAAAAAB2c/DT-KpO9xKOM/s320/Orourke+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">LuAnn O'Rourke and her adult Irish dancer mixed 4-hand team</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: courtesy O'Rourke Irish Dancers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">Feis America: </span>Where do the adult Irish dancers perform/compete? </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">LuAnn: </span><span style="background-color: white;">They dance at St. Patrick's Day functions, </span><span style="background-color: white;">parades, weddings, festivals, and our annual recital. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> They are also very </span><span style="background-color: white;">competitive! Our Ladies 8-Hand team has won the Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas </span><span style="background-color: white;">7 times and the North American Championship 3 times; their 4-hand has won the Oireachtas [Regional Championships] 5 times, our Mixed 8-Hand </span><span style="background-color: white;">has won the Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas [Regional Championships] 3 times, and Nationals once; their 4-Hand has won Nationals 4 </span><span style="background-color: white;">times. </span><span style="background-color: white;">In addition, the Ladies' team are</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the first North American team to take home a First Place</span><span style="background-color: white;"> All-Ireland [Irish Dancing Championships] medal in the 4-Hand Ceili Club category. They are </span><span style="background-color: white;">setting their sights on the Great Britain Championships some time in the </span><span style="background-color: white;">future. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9Ou3MwF7Xk/UAWdWHVjuPI/AAAAAAAAB2w/iBEWZ2bqBRU/s1600/orourke+2002+nat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9Ou3MwF7Xk/UAWdWHVjuPI/AAAAAAAAB2w/iBEWZ2bqBRU/s320/orourke+2002+nat.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">LuAnn O'Rourke and her adult Irish dancer National Champion ceili team</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: courtesy O'Rourke Irish Dancers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Read more:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/spotlight-on-adult-irish-dancer-sara-gutis-from-connecticut-162160005.html#ixzz20u6m3SAj" target="_blank">Spotlight on adult Irish dancer Sara Gutis from Connecticut</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/2012-north-american-irish-dance-championships---dance-drama-review-part-1-162571426.html#ixzz20u6bTuRs" target="_blank">2012 North American Irish Dance Championships - Dance Drama Review Part 1</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_66144111"><br /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/new-england-claims-four-north-american-irish-dancing-championship-team-trophies-162303476.html#ixzz20u6efUBe" target="_blank">New England claims four North American Irish Dancing Championship team trophies</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">-------------------</span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">Feis America: </span>What advice can you give to others who want to form a strong adult</div>
<div class="p1">
Irish dancer program? </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">LuAnn: </span>Treat adult dancers with respect, and as an <span style="background-color: white;">integral part of your school and business. Adults have children that can </span><span style="background-color: white;">become a part of your school, if they are not already. They are great </span><span style="background-color: white;">volunteers for your feis, and can also become life-long friends. Make </span><span style="background-color: white;">time for them, even if it's after all of your kid's classes.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Give them opportunities to be an important part of your </span><span style="background-color: white;">school by getting them involved in performances, competition, and your </span><span style="background-color: white;">feis if you run one.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">Feis America: </span>How do you envision the future for adult Irish dancers? </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">LuAnn: </span>I hope that <span style="background-color: white;">some day in the near future the CLRG will consider adding an adult ceili</span></div>
<div class="p1">
competition to the World Championships. Adult dancers are here, and <span style="background-color: white;">thriving, and want to be a part of the greater Irish dance community. The </span><span style="background-color: white;">more opportunities we give them, the more they will get involved. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1VuWUxuKVQ/UAWdEqYcq4I/AAAAAAAAB2U/ioP_a_z4HVo/s1600/O+rourke+nationals+03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1VuWUxuKVQ/UAWdEqYcq4I/AAAAAAAAB2U/ioP_a_z4HVo/s320/O+rourke+nationals+03.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">O'Rourke adult Irish dancers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: courtesy O'Rourke Irish Dancers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
-----------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-91151981114386006172012-07-11T13:24:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:25:19.420-07:00Spotlight on adult Irish dancer Sara Gutis from Connecticut<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lc5P7wdrO6I/T_tIrOR05OI/AAAAAAAABzw/z4HxrnM-G-k/s1600/Sara+Gutis+and+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lc5P7wdrO6I/T_tIrOR05OI/AAAAAAAABzw/z4HxrnM-G-k/s320/Sara+Gutis+and+Dad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sara Gutis and her dad, Mark Gutis</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: courtesy Sara Gutis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">Feis America: Welcome Sara, we are so glad to hear about your Irish dancing story. Where are you from?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;">Sara: I live in Brookfield, Connecticut. My current TCRG (teacher) is Sue Brotherton of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Millennium-School-of-Irish-Dance/129922763721623" target="_blank">Millennium School of Irish Dance</a>.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America: How did you get started in Irish Dancing?</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sarah: The short version of how I started Irish Dancing is that I was a huge fan of Lord of the Dance. I was sitting in Ireland, watching Michael Flatley and his troupe dance, and knew it was just something I HAD to do. I came home, and started calling around until I found a school that took adult dancers, and started the next week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ob-eeWmq74/T_unp-DtQwI/AAAAAAAAB0c/KNuzzybHG-A/s1600/Sara+Gutis+recital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ob-eeWmq74/T_unp-DtQwI/AAAAAAAAB0c/KNuzzybHG-A/s320/Sara+Gutis+recital.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sara Gutis (in pink mask) poses for a recital photo.<br />Photo: courtesy Sara Gutis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="p2">
Feis America: What motivates you to keep dancing as an adult?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sara: Irish Dancing is such a huge part of my life. It's part of my identity. I used to be motivated by the next competition and the trophies I would win. Slowly, I moved away from competition though. Now, I'm motivated by my new teacher. She believes in my abilities, and is teaching me skills that a previous teacher told me not to bother with because I am an adult.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rq5PplghT2A/T_uno39y4kI/AAAAAAAAB0U/p-eDkzcaqR0/s1600/Sara+Gutis+and+dancers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rq5PplghT2A/T_uno39y4kI/AAAAAAAAB0U/p-eDkzcaqR0/s320/Sara+Gutis+and+dancers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sara and father, Mark, in action.<br />Photo: courtesy Sara Gutis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America: I noticed that you and your dad are pictured dancing together. Does he dance? Did he begin dancing because of you?</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sara: <span style="background-color: white;">Dad started dancing because of me. I taught him as an assistant for years! He danced for ten years before I left my last studio. Between that and arthritis in his foot, he has mostly stopped. But, he will occasionally do a choreography with me or some ceili. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Feis America: If you could change one thing about Irish dance, what would it be?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sara: One thing I would change about Irish Dancing is the odd way that adults are treated in their goals and pursuits. In the east and especially the northeast, adults are not really cultivated by the teachers. I know that adults might not be the next world qualifier, but we have a lot to offer.</div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Read more:</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/irish-dance-and-pop-culture/from-feet-of-flames-to-professional-photography---video-160974825.html#ixzz20FojyO4y" target="_blank">From 'Feet of Flames' to professional photography - VIDEO</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/2012-north-american-irish-dancing-champion-mens-results--video-161738985.html#ixzz20Fosxbyb" target="_blank">2012 North American Irish Dancing Champion men's results VIDEO</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/irish-dance-and-pop-culture/irish-dance-friendships-down-under-meets-upstate-ny-161274125.html#ixzz20FpBCyAw" target="_blank">Irish dance friendships: - down under meets upstate NY</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">-------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America: What does your competition or solo dress look like?</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sara: My solo dress is black silk with rainbow colored knot work, edged in silver and gold thread. It is the more old fashioned style. I am in the market for a newer styled dress. I really need to learn to sew! When I perform in a choreography, I typically wear an Irish themed dress that is more a la Riverdance in style.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E75NxNaQYG0/T_unqG59h-I/AAAAAAAAB0g/sk7MwC9XB8k/s1600/Sara+Helene+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E75NxNaQYG0/T_unqG59h-I/AAAAAAAAB0g/sk7MwC9XB8k/s320/Sara+Helene+Dress.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
-----------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span></div>
</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-4141072201048495302012-07-09T13:46:00.001-07:002012-07-09T13:46:33.683-07:00Irish Dance Diet - Sneaking in more activity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QiGN07Eyr4/T_tBQkz4z6I/AAAAAAAABzE/AhlYs8rO2_A/s1600/Parking_lot_at_HAA_Kobe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QiGN07Eyr4/T_tBQkz4z6I/AAAAAAAABzE/AhlYs8rO2_A/s320/Parking_lot_at_HAA_Kobe.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br />
I'm struggling a bit this week because it seems like I'm doing everything right (two 500 calorie workouts a day, salads for lunch, limiting sweets) and yet the scale is not showing it. And as we all know, if I'm doing what I've always done, I'll get what I've always got. That means I need to step it up. <br />
<br />
Ways to sneak more activity into your week:<br />
<br />
1-Park at the far end of the parking lot and spend a few minutes walking to the store.<br />
<br />
2-Take your dog for a walk or go out with the kids and throw a frisbee around.<br />
<br />
3-Do some cleaning. Did you know that housework can burn a lot of calories?<br />
<br />
4-Purchase a simple pedometer to keep track of how much or how little you have been out and about. If you are low on steps, take a walk at the end of the day.<br />
<br />
5-Take the stairs instead of the elevator.<br />
<br />
6-While watching TV, do stretches or work out on an exercise machine.<br />
<br />
7-Dance-it feels like play but it's actually a work out. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Week Fourteen</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Weight lost= -.2</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Total weight loss= 3.8 pounds</div>
<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-45829734937059135822012-07-02T11:53:00.000-07:002012-07-02T11:53:06.978-07:00Irish Dance Diet - Go Go Go, get that dress!<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rtMW10s1z0/T_HtHjGcb0I/AAAAAAAABys/aj22E0R_Va8/s1600/Blue+sparkly+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rtMW10s1z0/T_HtHjGcb0I/AAAAAAAABys/aj22E0R_Va8/s320/Blue+sparkly+dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/KDSF/282137365161538" target="_blank">KDF dresses</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I saw the dress above on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/KDSF/282137365161538" target="_blank"> KDF's facebook page</a> and I love it. I showed it to my husband and after his eyes bugged out at the cost, he told me that if I reach my goals, he will buy my one. How is that for motivation?<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say that I'm finally seeing some real progress here. It is a bit embarrassing when I look at my stats and think that I've only lost 4 pounds in thirteen weeks, but I'm only human. I guess I could be four pounds heavier after thirteen weeks, so kuddos to me. :)<br />
<br />
So what did I do differently this week? Aside from trying hard to reign in my eating (despite a wedding and a family reunion) I have increased my physical activity. No matter what new diet comes out and claims that you can diet without counting calories, it always comes back to calories in/calories out. So I've been doing a workout on the elliptical machine in the mornings and then a dance workout at night. It seems to be working as long as I can control what goes in my mouth.<br />
<br />
Calories out - calories in= weight loss. It's that simple.<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Week Thirteen</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Weight lost=1 pounds</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Total weight loss= 4 pounds</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-60444050166819387712012-06-28T13:24:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:24:21.769-07:00Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers in July<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3T3JK3ehik4/T-3ZLV-PGUI/AAAAAAAAK5s/yMKKCmi9UM4/s1600/Bennet+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3T3JK3ehik4/T-3ZLV-PGUI/AAAAAAAAK5s/yMKKCmi9UM4/s400/Bennet+School.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish dancers from the Bennett School of Irish Dance in Denver, Colorado.<br />Photo: courtesy <a href="http://www.bennett-school.com/Public/Home.html" target="_blank">Bennet School of Irish Dance</a></span><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="Body1">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Many feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) offer competitions for adult Irish dancers. Here's a quick glance at feiseanna that welcome adult Irish dancers in July.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers, and keep an eye out for those feiseanna who are offering slow speed dances for adults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Source: <a href="http://www.feisworx.com/" target="_blank">www.feisworx.com </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://www.clannnangael.org/summer-feis-2012/" target="_blank">Clan na nGael Summer Feis 2012</a></b><br />Columbus, OH - Jul 14, 2012<br />Shamrock Club of Columbus</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no figures<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://mcteggart.com/wordpress1/" target="_blank">Colorado Irish Festival Feis 2012</a></b><br />Littleton, CO - Jul 14, 2012 to Jul 15, 2012<br />Colorado United Irish Societies</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://www.badgerstatefeis.com/" target="_blank">Badger State Feis 2012</a></b><br />Milwaukee, WI - Jul 21, 2012<br />Badger State Feis</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4 hand<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">parent/child special</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://www.srsirishdance.com/" target="_blank">Dance For Life 2012</a></b><br />Seattle, WA - Jul 21, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012<br />Scoil Rince Slieveloughane</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional and slow speeds<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">2,3,4,6,8 hand</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">reel special for B, N, and PW; parent/child figure</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://www.nationscapitalfeis.com/" target="_blank">Nation's Capital Feis and All-American C 2012</a></b><br />Washington, D.C. - Jul 21, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B, B2, N, Open<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">non-traditional set and treble reel</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8 hand, choreography</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hard shoe Exhibition Extravaganza, Showcase Style Competition</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Parent/child special</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://www.thecreamcityfeis.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Cream City Feis 2012</a></b><br />Milwaukee, WI - Jul 22, 2012<br />Kinsella Acadmy Family Association</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional set and single jig pending<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8 hand pending<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">no specials</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ccffcc; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><a href="http://www.celticgold.com/Celtic_Gold/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Maitiu O'Maoileidigh Summer Feis 2012</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Irvine, CA - Jul 28, 2012 to Jul 29, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Celtic Gold Academy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">B1, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">2 hard shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8 hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">treble reel special, challenge cup: slip or reel and set dance</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">If you have a photo of your adult class practicing or performing that you would like to see featured, please <a href="mailto:christy@dorrity.net" target="_blank">email me</a>.</span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-78726132266905806462012-06-25T14:29:00.002-07:002012-06-25T14:31:33.035-07:00Irish Dance Diet - 3 levels of Performance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRa1Co0vZig/T-jQhRqyLGI/AAAAAAAABx4/L8SPfits6gM/s1600/portions+watermelon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRa1Co0vZig/T-jQhRqyLGI/AAAAAAAABx4/L8SPfits6gM/s320/portions+watermelon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I went to a the Utah State Feis this past weekend. Even though I placed pretty well, I danced quite possibly the worst I ever have in competition. And truthfully, the only reason I placed well was because there were only up to 3 dancers in each competition. The "stage" was in a remote classroom, where only a handful of people came to watch. Still, that shouldn't be an excuse. I just didn't have my game on to the point that I was performing.<br />
<br />
There are three levels of performance:<br />
<br />
1-Memorization<br />
At this stage you are worried that you might forget a step. An observer may be able to see it in your expression as you mental calculate what comes next.<br />
<br />
2-Self-consciousness
You are worried about what you look like to others. Are my feet turned out? Does my dress flatter my figure? How do I look when I leap?<br />
<br />
3-Performing
Now you are ready. Your steps are a natural extension of your feet and you can turn inward and give the full expression of emotion and drama to your audience. This is the time to shine.
Have you ever experienced the third level of performance? How did you get there?
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
Week Twelve</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Weight lost=.8 pounds</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Total weight loss= 3 pounds</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-47367436759913515562012-06-23T13:23:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:23:29.549-07:00Book Review, Norah and The Irish Dresser series by Cynthia G. Neale - VIDEO<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s78IljVPHB0/T-DceGcvoFI/AAAAAAAABw8/2-pv3-N3T3A/s1600/Norah.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s78IljVPHB0/T-DceGcvoFI/AAAAAAAABw8/2-pv3-N3T3A/s320/Norah.jpeg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Norah by Cynthia G. Neale</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Norah: The Making of an Irish-American Woman in 19th Century New York </i>by Cynthia G. Neale, tells of a young woman's struggle to understand how she fits into the new world in America, and what her home country of Ireland means to her.<br />
<br />
Norah McCabe arrives in New York from Ireland at a tumultuous time. A<span style="background-color: white;">fter enduring the potato famine of 1845-1850, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Norah is determined to make a new life for herself, and begins a business of selling used dresses. Norah sees that life in America is not all that she wishes it to be. The Irish emigrants are treated with little respect, and soon hunger finds her family in the promised land.</span><br />
<br />
When she is offered a job writing for a local newspaper, Norah is certain that she will be able to make a better life for her family. Her involvement with revolutionists plunges her deep within the underground of New York City with all of its cruelty. Out of this desperation rises hope for a better life, and a love for Ireland, the country she cannot forsake.<br />
<br />
Neale weaves a historical fiction that is both beautiful, and haunting. The words float off the page and play out like images on a movie screen. Norah's deep longing, and richly felt heritage flow through the prose.<br />
<br />
<i>"She picked up the worn old instrument and held it near to her face and imagined the lilts of wild moon-lit music nights in Ireland as a child. The musical strains had made patterns on her soul that she had sought to cover up and smooth over with her new life in America, but now they were surfacing. She pressed the fiddle to her cheek and felt the wood's armor, warrior armor that had endured famines, storms and an ocean that had demanded sacrifice for survival"</i> (p.134).<br />
<br />
Readers should be cautioned that <i>Norah</i> is an adult novel, and the adult content, though appropriate to the subject matter, is not intended for young adults or children.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYQzwMZv9Ak/T-DcfFOq3cI/AAAAAAAABxE/BGdfvAWpgiI/s1600/The+Irish+Dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYQzwMZv9Ak/T-DcfFOq3cI/AAAAAAAABxE/BGdfvAWpgiI/s320/The+Irish+Dresser.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Irish Dresser<br />
by Cynthia G. Neale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Neale wrote two prequels to <i>Norah</i> that are aimed at the young adult market. <i>The Irish Dresser </i>and <i>Hope in New York City</i> are as full of emotion and hope as the more recent <i>Norah</i>.<br />
<br />
In <i>The Irish Dresser,</i> we meet Norah in her hometown, surrounded by friends and family who struggle to survive as The Great Hunger ravages through their potato fields, and their livelihood. Her fiery will and indomitable spirit carry her across the ocean as she stows away in the Irish dresser that allows her passage to a new world.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/auditions-for-new-irish-dance-show-enduring-love-announced-159555495.html#ixzz1yHYliCSe" target="_blank">Auditions for new Irish dance show Enduring Love announced</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/irish_dance/The-2011-North-American-Irish-Dancing-Championships-big-winners-159412255.html#ixzz1yHYrgK83" target="_blank">The 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships big winners</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/renowned-irish-dance-camp-welcomes-young-adult-irish-dancers-158849775.html#ixzz1yHZ83MA7" target="_blank">Renowned Irish dance camp welcomes young adult Irish dancers</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">--------------------</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z024NcLv-Z8/T-DcqHbR8dI/AAAAAAAABxM/L30Ooh0Cwjk/s1600/Hope+in+NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z024NcLv-Z8/T-DcqHbR8dI/AAAAAAAABxM/L30Ooh0Cwjk/s320/Hope+in+NYC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Hope in New York City<br />
by Cynthia G. Neale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Hope in New York City</i> continues the story as Norah finds that, although America may be a land of opportunity, there is much that the Irish emigrants can teach about poverty, racism and injustice.<br />
<br />
Cynthia Neale's books about Norah McCabe will appeal to those readers who enjoy experiencing history through fiction. Her books weave a captivating story and give historical information.<br />
<br />
You can visit Cynthia on her <a href="http://cynthianeale.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, and purchase her books on Amazon:<br />
<br />
<i><a href="norah: The Making of an Irish-American Woman in 19th Century New York" target="_blank">Norah: The Making of an Irish-American Woman in 19th Century New York</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Irish-Dresser-During-1845-1850/dp/1572493445/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340145214&sr=1-2&keywords=cynthia+neale" target="_blank">The Irish Dresser: A Story of Hope During the Great Hunger</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-New-York-City-Continuing/dp/1572493879/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340145214&sr=1-3&keywords=cynthia+neale" target="_blank">Hope in New York City: The Continuing Story of The Irish Dresser</a></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Norah by Cynthia Neale (book trailer)<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VwmEDGxRyWY" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-82017922496552868692012-06-18T11:13:00.000-07:002012-06-18T11:13:09.282-07:00Irish Dance Diet - Every Day is a Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk3FpgRvcGU/T99rl2n8DtI/AAAAAAAABww/TsGpbhw4UU4/s1600/special-occasion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk3FpgRvcGU/T99rl2n8DtI/AAAAAAAABww/TsGpbhw4UU4/s320/special-occasion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Every time I turn, around I am eating to celebrate. Father's Day, birthdays, reunions, 4th of July, "it's a weekend" days, "I made it through the day" days. If I am to be successful at losing and maintaining that weight loss, I must change my perspective. After all, there are other ways to celebrate!<br />
<br />
Here are a few tips for curbing the urge to celebrate with food:<br />
<br />
1-When eating out, ask yourself, is this a special occasion? If it is, splurge a little and make up for it earlier in the day or the next day. If not, eat similar to how you would at home.<br />
<br />
2-Find non-food ways to celebrate. Reward yourself with a bubble bath, a new book, some great smelling lotion, or a night out at the movies.<br />
<br />
3-Bring a healthy contribution to an event. If you are attending a reunion or party where you don't have control over the meal, bring a healthy salad for your part of the meal. At least you know one thing that you will be able to eat. And bring some healthy portable snacks with you. If the food selection is too high in calories, you don't actually have to eat it. You can survive a few hours without food and the snacks you bring will tide you over.<br />
<br />
4-Have a water in hand. Drink plenty of water all day to fill you up and keep you satisfied. If you have a glass of water in your hand at a party, you will be less likely to snack on high calorie hors d'oeuvres.<br />
<br />
Last week my grandmother passed away and the week was filled with funeral activities and family. I was unable to attend dance class and only practiced a few days. This week I have only one dance class but I have a feis on Saturday. <br />
<br />
I realized that part of the reason why I've been stalling in weight loss is because circumstances in my life have been changing my goals. I need to make new goals to work toward. My new weight loss goal: ten pounds by the first week in August. For me that is a pretty ambitious goal. In order to do so I will need to eliminate snacks and make certain that I get at least one work out in everyday, sometimes working out more than just my Irish dance classes and practice. <br />
<br />
And my reward? Still want to get that solo dress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Week Eleven</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Weight lost=.3 pounds</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Total weight loss= 2.6 pounds</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-39143562767921409462012-06-17T15:18:00.001-07:002012-06-17T15:19:06.955-07:00Hopping Mad Irish dance school for adults in the United Kingdom<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJwdZODc1pA/T7KzdvqR4gI/AAAAAAAABo0/Hz-K1_S5y5Q/s1600/Hopping+mad+pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJwdZODc1pA/T7KzdvqR4gI/AAAAAAAABo0/Hz-K1_S5y5Q/s400/Hopping+mad+pub.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hopping Mad adult Irish dancers from the UK<br />Photo: courtesy of Aine McGovern</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.irishdancingbrighton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hopping Mad Scoil Rince na hÉireann</a> in Brighton, United Kingdom is a group of all adult Irish dancers that started in 2010. The Hopping Mad dancers vary in age and ability level, but they all share a love of Irish dancing. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When Aine McGovern felt out of place in the class she previously participated in, she founded her own group of adult-only Irish dancers, and encouraged the other adults she knew to join. McGovern knew that she could continue to do something she loves as an adult. She says, "<span style="background-color: white;">I can still move and have tidy feet and good rhythm, so why should I not do something I love?"</span> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The group participates in competitions, as well as performances. Wedding and private parties as well as Irish pubs are just a few of the places the ladies have performed. Recently the Hopping Mad dancers participated in the Brighton Fringe Festival. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS0gXkiRoaI/T7KzgWa5AqI/AAAAAAAABpE/qX2uIzJccfc/s1600/hopping+mad+medals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS0gXkiRoaI/T7KzgWa5AqI/AAAAAAAABpE/qX2uIzJccfc/s400/hopping+mad+medals.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hopping Mad adult Irish dancers show off their hardware<br />Photo: courtesy of Aine McGovern</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Differences in level and age are a strength for these adult Irish dancers, not a weakness. Two of the Hopping Mad dancers give us their unique perspectives as the youngest and oldest dancers in the group. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joanne Dreaden, age 18, says she hopes to continue to compete through her college years and advance her solo dances. <span style="background-color: white;">"It's never too late," says Dreaden. "It's fantastic fun, great for keeping you in shape, and allows you to build such good friendships with people you might not otherwise have met at all."</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In her mid fifties, Rosi Bryer is the oldest dancer in the Hopping Mad group. She is recovering from paralysis as a result of a brain tumor, and attributes her improvement in balance and confidence to being a part of the Irish dance school. "I<span style="background-color: white;">f you love the music, if it moves you, then go for it," Bryer says. "You can do it gently, you don't have to go all out for it. Just have a craic."</span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/master-irish-dance-workshops-offered-online-with-fantastic-instructors---video-149849915.html#ixzz1tkHFQVcX">Master Irish Dance workshops offered online with fantastic instructors - VIDEO</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/teenage-professional-irish-dancers--joey-and-clare-roca-in-rhythm-in-the-night-149612145.html#ixzz1tkHQIIgx">Teenage professional Irish dancers- Joey and Clare Roca in Rhythm in the Night</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/giving-back-with-irish-dance---carolan-school-and-lauralynn-house-149409305.html#ixzz1tkHYnuO1">Giving back with Irish dance - Carolan School and LauraLynn House</a></span><br />--------------------</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">McGovern finds joy in teaching the group of adult dancers at <a href="http://www.irishdancingbrighton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hopping Mad Scoil Rince na hÉireann</a>. She offers advice to teachers of adult dancers:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Listen to them: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They are usually trying their hardest learning a step, as an adult it will take longer to learn something so stick with them. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Make dances for them: </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some adults are no longer able to lift quite so high off the floor, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">work with them on this and give them more intricate foot work so they don’t have to jump so much. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take them seriously: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is nothing worse than being ignored or made feel stupid for not remembering the whole step.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Stand your ground: </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adults have opinions and are often more forceful than teens at putting it across; remember you are the teacher and you are in charge; yes let them voice it but remind them you are the teacher and have the experience to lead the class." ~Aine McGovern</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATP23PW0ZCA/T7Kzx6rUTAI/AAAAAAAABpM/gdAUH-Hymfg/s1600/Hopping+Mad" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATP23PW0ZCA/T7Kzx6rUTAI/AAAAAAAABpM/gdAUH-Hymfg/s400/Hopping+Mad" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hopping Mad adult Irish dancers practice<br />Photo: courtesy of Aine McGovern</span></span><br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-----------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-46758559131676802422012-06-13T15:21:00.000-07:002012-06-17T15:22:28.529-07:00Renowned Irish dance camp welcomes young adult Irish dancers<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsFSPf51Jm0/T9eiAyyo1II/AAAAAAAABuo/RrJqnUOCW-8/s1600/CRC+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsFSPf51Jm0/T9eiAyyo1II/AAAAAAAABuo/RrJqnUOCW-8/s320/CRC+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Camp Rince Ceol Irish dance camp</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Courtesy Sheila Ryan-Davoren</span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For thirteen years, <a href="http://www.irishdancecamp.com/index.html" target="_blank">Camp Rince Ceol</a> has been known as the camp “where Irish dancers spend their summers.” Now, young adults, ages 19-24, have a chance to experience the highly acclaimed Irish dance camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp Rince Ceol is a summer camp for Irish dancers who want to increase their knowledge of all things Irish dance. Sheila Ryan-Davoren, TCRG began the camp with her husband, Tony Davoren, after they both toured with Riverdance in the Lee Company. Together, they formed a camp that combines an intense study of the sport of Irish dancing with a fun summer camp experience. Sheila says, “I wanted to incorporate summer-time feeling with classroom instruction.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHK0y6_lTKc/T9eh-JKAlPI/AAAAAAAABug/CGtUqjRwiAs/s1600/CRC+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHK0y6_lTKc/T9eh-JKAlPI/AAAAAAAABug/CGtUqjRwiAs/s320/CRC+circle.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Campers take a break from classes<br />at Camp Rince Ceol<br />Photo: Courtesy Sheila Ryan-Davoren</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After receiving many requests to allow older dancers to attend camp, Sheila and Tony decided to invite dancers ages 19-24 to attend Camp Rince Ceol. During the third session of camp in New York, young adults will come together to increase their learning of Irish dance and culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young adult dancers receive all of the benefits of their younger counterparts: a full curriculum of core classes, bonus classes, amazing meals, clean rooms (no tents here), night-time activities, and an opportunity to showcase what they have learned. In addition to the regular privileges, young adults get a few extra perks. They are allowed the use of cell phones, have access to a Wi-Fi network during camp, and are treated to an off-campus dinner with instructors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sheila wants Irish dancers to have a great experience socializing, having fun and sharing the love of Irish dance. Sheila says, “Camp is fun, but we are there for a reason—the kids work hard. “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xUMECSZ4bM/T9eiBTB9mqI/AAAAAAAABuw/M0fbGxz_PQc/s1600/CRC+hand+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xUMECSZ4bM/T9eiBTB9mqI/AAAAAAAABuw/M0fbGxz_PQc/s320/CRC+hand+dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Camp Rince Ceol campers "hand dancing"<br />Photo: Courtesy Sheila Ryan-Davoren</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What you should know about Camp Rince Ceol:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of the Irish dance instructors at Camp Rince Ceol are former touring group members from such shows as <i>Riverdance</i> and <i>Lord of the Dance</i>. A list of instructors can be found on the <a href="http://www.irishdancecamp.com/index.html" target="_blank">Camp Rince Ceol website.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp Rince Ceol is open to campers ages 8-24.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to core Irish dancing classes, other classes include language, sports (hurling, rugby), show steps, behind the scenes, ballet, yoga, foot care, rhythm and timing, footwork, stage presence, and Irish dance and music history.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Camp Rince Ceol has been approved by An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha as an "Open Workshop" for 2012 and therefore is exempt from any association/affiliation rules.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two locations: Dunn School, Los Olivos, California and Union College in Schenectady, New York.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young adults are invited to attend Camp Rince Ceol in New York during the week of July 29<sup>th</sup>-August 3<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information please see <a href="http://www.irishdancecamp.com/index.html" target="_blank">Camp Rince Ceol’s website.</a><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/guaranteed-fun-summer-camp-themes-for-irish-dancing-schools-155420765.html#ixzz1wIew7jZb" target="_blank">Guaranteed fun summer camp themes for Irish dancing schools</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/healthy-irish-dancing/try-interval-training-this-summer-to-step-up-competitive-irish-dancing-154964625.html#ixzz1wIf3pJAz" target="_blank">Try Interval training this summer to step up competitive Irish dancing</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/adult-irish-dancer-spotlight-on-fun-and-friendship-at-georgias-drake-school-157800335.html#ixzz1xcEhWKRh" target="_blank">Adult Irish dancer spotlight on fun and friendship at Georgia's Drake School</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Camp Rince Ceol<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0WMhtes4MvY" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-5088050041703742552012-06-11T13:20:00.001-07:002012-06-11T13:20:27.102-07:00Irish Dance Diet - Don't want to? Do it anyway.<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnW7NVd-Y_8/T9ZQON6GzUI/AAAAAAAABuU/CVEA20HN_BQ/s1600/drill+sargeant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnW7NVd-Y_8/T9ZQON6GzUI/AAAAAAAABuU/CVEA20HN_BQ/s1600/drill+sargeant.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So I have a confession to make. I didn't blog last week on purpose. And it's because I haven't been doing very well on the weight loss end of this Irish dance diet (see stats below).<br />
<br />
Oh, I've been going to classes and I've been practicing. But my eating has been slipping and I've been letting other circumstances get in the way of my goals. <br />
<br />
I even considered giving up and not continuing my Irish dance diet journey. But I realize that I am better than that. And not only do I need to lose weight in order to be a better dancer, but if I don't loose the weight, I may end up with an injury that prevents me from dancing in the future.<br />
<br />
I am feeling a bit unmotivated and I am hoping that by saying so it won't drag you down in your efforts to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. In fact, I am hoping that by seeing that I am human, and I struggle in my long term goals, that you will see that you are not the only one who is doing something hard, and sometimes falling short.<br />
<br />
Even though I don't really like doing some of what needs to be done to get to my goal, I am going to do it anyway. It may hurt, and it may be hard, but I CAN DO HARD THINGS! <br />
<br />
And you can too.<br />
<br />
<br />
Week Ten</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Weight lost=let's just say we are starting over. :)</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Total weight loss= 2.3 pounds</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-22986741936265808692012-06-07T15:21:00.000-07:002012-06-17T15:21:34.874-07:00Adult Irish dancer spotlight on fun and friendship at Georgia's Drake School<br />
<div class="p1">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w31to1oH_k/T85wKn9CXKI/AAAAAAAABtw/jpe6xNpkNQU/s1600/Drake+feis" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w31to1oH_k/T85wKn9CXKI/AAAAAAAABtw/jpe6xNpkNQU/s400/Drake+feis" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish dancers with instructor Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG (far right)<br />Photo: Faith Peppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<i>"For adult dancers, dance is not about seeing how high we can get in competition before we graduate. This is about dancing for life." -</i><i>Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG at Drake School of Irish Dance</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Today we have both a dancer, and an instructor from the <a href="http://www.drakedance.com/IrishDance/Home.html" target="_blank">Drake School of Irish Dance</a> in Norcross, Georgia. Faith Peppers has been dancing as an adult Irish dancer for over 20 years, the longest time out of her group. Mary Branick Ujda is the certified teacher that teaches this lively bunch of adults. We are lucky enough to hear from both of them.</div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: Where do you live and what school does your group belong to?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: Our group dances with the Drake School of Irish Dance in Norcross, GA. We have dancers from all around the north side of Metropolitan Atlanta.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: How does your school support adult Irish dancers?<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
Mary: For adult dancers, dance is not about seeing how high we can get in competition before we graduate, it's about dancing for life. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
As the teacher, my goal is to engage everyone at the right level. In a class that ranges from graduate students to grandparents, the steps are not going to be one-size-fits-all. For dancers who want to work on the latest choreography, Karl Drake TCRG (founder of Drake School of Irish Dance) joins us for a workshop every year. For dancers who want to go easy on an injury, we modify. For dancers who want to dance the basics well, we choreograph new steps in a more traditional style.<br />
<br />
Our class recognizes that, as much as we love Irish dance, it has to fit in with the demands of work, children, health issues, and other realities of our adult lives. Although there will always be times when dancers have to take some time off from class, they always come back, and they always have classmates ready to help them catch up!</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yGwxgZfsTU/T85wRCQBobI/AAAAAAAABt4/sysoKiBq_2M/s1600/Adults+trophies" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yGwxgZfsTU/T85wRCQBobI/AAAAAAAABt4/sysoKiBq_2M/s400/Adults+trophies" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish dancers from Drake School of Irish dance<br />Faith Pepper is seen here on the right<br />Photo: Faith Peppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: We have a terrific teacher, Mary Branick Ujda, who was a member of our adult class before she earned her TCRG. We are all very supportive of one another. In the time we've been dancing together, we've had 10 babies born to members of our class.<br />
<br />
We started with just four or five adults who came to dance and have a bit of fun. We then recruited some of the school students' moms to join our group. At feisanna we were usually the only adults competing, but, over time the class has grown and evolved, and so has the number of competitors.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/so-you-want-to-be-a-certified-irish-dancing-teacher-157037555.html#ixzz1wwr8Yf9s" target="_blank">So you want to be a certified Irish dancing teacher?</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/irish-dance-and-pop-culture/take-the-floor-irish-dance-spectacular-takes-shape---video-156501925.html#ixzz1wwrGQWQT" target="_blank">"Take the Floor" Irish dance spectacular takes shape - VIDEO</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/irish-dancers-rock-the-south-at-memphis-feis-irish-dancing-competition-156228385.html#ixzz1wwrPFylp" target="_blank">Irish dancers rock the South at Memphis Feis Irish dancing competition</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">--------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: Does your group perform and compete? What are some of your experiences?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: Once a team member showed up to dance in a feis and forgot her tights or bloomers. We grabbed some from a vendor and made a circle around her while she slipped them on.<br />
<br />
Another time, we got on stage to dance a 4-hand and noticed one of our group had forgotten to change out of her hardshoes. It made for an interesting dance; her trying to keep her shoes quiet, the rest of us trying to keep a straight face. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I think the best comments ever from an adjudicator were: "Lovely 4-hand. Nice footwork. Great timing. But, you sounded like a couple in a drive-in movie. Get in shape ladies!" So, we've set about doing that by doing more of what we love, dancing.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My first Oireachtas was in Orlando in 1996. I was six weeks pregnant and green as green the morning I had to dance. I was the only competitor in my Novice category that day. Before I began my dance, Karl Drake stepped in from behind me and said to the crowd, "Be kind, now. She's dancing for two."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmsLKaicPP4/T8-uQixW0hI/AAAAAAAABuI/BZbOpJWoPAM/s1600/Drake+ladies+Peach+Feis" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmsLKaicPP4/T8-uQixW0hI/AAAAAAAABuI/BZbOpJWoPAM/s320/Drake+ladies+Peach+Feis" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Drake School of Irish Dance adult Irish dancers, Peach State Feis 2011<br />Photo: Kathleen O'Reilly-Wild</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="p1">
MARY: One year, at the Peach State Feis, when our adults were the only 8-hand in their competition, all the other stages in the room paused for their dance. Adults are not usually the center of attention at a feis, but the whole room gave them a huge round of applause afterwards and one of the Drake - Mexico City dancers clapped one of the dancers on the back with a big "Excelente!"<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: What plans do you have for your adult Irish dancing group in the future?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Mary: We look forward to attracting more adult dancers in the Atlanta area who enjoy the challenge of Irish dance, and the mighty craic that goes along with it! We hope to branch out to other performance opportunities while continuing to support the local feiseanna. And we definitely plan to throw more parties with all of our families where we can roll up the rugs and dance a ceili or two!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Irish Central: What advice do you have for schools who are just beginning to teach a few adults?</div>
<div class="p2">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: Don't make it stressful. Adults are there for fun and stress relief. If it's too structured, it's not fun. Mix it up with steps and figures. Have social time outside of dance to build friendship and camaraderie so the competition doesn't divide the group.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Mary: Challenge them as dancers, respect them as adults, get to know them as friends.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-----------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span></div>
</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-45087349352989712652012-06-07T13:17:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:21:56.004-07:00Adult Irish dancer spotlight on fun and friendship at Georgia's Drake School<br />
<div class="p1">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w31to1oH_k/T85wKn9CXKI/AAAAAAAABtw/jpe6xNpkNQU/s1600/Drake+feis" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w31to1oH_k/T85wKn9CXKI/AAAAAAAABtw/jpe6xNpkNQU/s400/Drake+feis" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish dancers with instructor Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG (far right)<br />Photo: Faith Peppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<i>"For adult dancers, dance is not about seeing how high we can get in competition before we graduate. This is about dancing for life." -</i><i>Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG at Drake School of Irish Dance</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Today we have both a dancer, and an instructor from the <a href="http://www.drakedance.com/IrishDance/Home.html" target="_blank">Drake School of Irish Dance</a> in Norcross, Georgia. Faith Peppers has been dancing as an adult Irish dancer for over 20 years, the longest time out of her group. Mary Branick Ujda is the certified teacher that teaches this lively bunch of adults. We are lucky enough to hear from both of them.</div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: Where do you live and what school does your group belong to?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: Our group dances with the Drake School of Irish Dance in Norcross, GA. We have dancers from all around the north side of Metropolitan Atlanta.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: How does your school support adult Irish dancers?<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
Mary: For adult dancers, dance is not about seeing how high we can get in competition before we graduate, it's about dancing for life. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
As the teacher, my goal is to engage everyone at the right level. In a class that ranges from graduate students to grandparents, the steps are not going to be one-size-fits-all. For dancers who want to work on the latest choreography, Karl Drake TCRG (founder of Drake School of Irish Dance) joins us for a workshop every year. For dancers who want to go easy on an injury, we modify. For dancers who want to dance the basics well, we choreograph new steps in a more traditional style.<br />
<br />
Our class recognizes that, as much as we love Irish dance, it has to fit in with the demands of work, children, health issues, and other realities of our adult lives. Although there will always be times when dancers have to take some time off from class, they always come back, and they always have classmates ready to help them catch up!</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yGwxgZfsTU/T85wRCQBobI/AAAAAAAABt4/sysoKiBq_2M/s1600/Adults+trophies" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yGwxgZfsTU/T85wRCQBobI/AAAAAAAABt4/sysoKiBq_2M/s400/Adults+trophies" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish dancers from Drake School of Irish dance<br />Faith Pepper is seen here on the right<br />Photo: Faith Peppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: We have a terrific teacher, Mary Branick Ujda, who was a member of our adult class before she earned her TCRG. We are all very supportive of one another. In the time we've been dancing together, we've had 10 babies born to members of our class.<br />
<br />
We started with just four or five adults who came to dance and have a bit of fun. We then recruited some of the school students' moms to join our group. At feisanna we were usually the only adults competing, but, over time the class has grown and evolved, and so has the number of competitors.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/so-you-want-to-be-a-certified-irish-dancing-teacher-157037555.html#ixzz1wwr8Yf9s" target="_blank">So you want to be a certified Irish dancing teacher?</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/irish-dance-and-pop-culture/take-the-floor-irish-dance-spectacular-takes-shape---video-156501925.html#ixzz1wwrGQWQT" target="_blank">"Take the Floor" Irish dance spectacular takes shape - VIDEO</a></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/irish-dancers-rock-the-south-at-memphis-feis-irish-dancing-competition-156228385.html#ixzz1wwrPFylp" target="_blank">Irish dancers rock the South at Memphis Feis Irish dancing competition</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">--------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: Does your group perform and compete? What are some of your experiences?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: Once a team member showed up to dance in a feis and forgot her tights or bloomers. We grabbed some from a vendor and made a circle around her while she slipped them on.<br />
<br />
Another time, we got on stage to dance a 4-hand and noticed one of our group had forgotten to change out of her hardshoes. It made for an interesting dance; her trying to keep her shoes quiet, the rest of us trying to keep a straight face. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I think the best comments ever from an adjudicator were: "Lovely 4-hand. Nice footwork. Great timing. But, you sounded like a couple in a drive-in movie. Get in shape ladies!" So, we've set about doing that by doing more of what we love, dancing.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My first Oireachtas was in Orlando in 1996. I was six weeks pregnant and green as green the morning I had to dance. I was the only competitor in my Novice category that day. Before I began my dance, Karl Drake stepped in from behind me and said to the crowd, "Be kind, now. She's dancing for two."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmsLKaicPP4/T8-uQixW0hI/AAAAAAAABuI/BZbOpJWoPAM/s1600/Drake+ladies+Peach+Feis" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmsLKaicPP4/T8-uQixW0hI/AAAAAAAABuI/BZbOpJWoPAM/s320/Drake+ladies+Peach+Feis" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Drake School of Irish Dance adult Irish dancers, Peach State Feis 2011<br />Photo: Kathleen O'Reilly-Wild</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="p1">
MARY: One year, at the Peach State Feis, when our adults were the only 8-hand in their competition, all the other stages in the room paused for their dance. Adults are not usually the center of attention at a feis, but the whole room gave them a huge round of applause afterwards and one of the Drake - Mexico City dancers clapped one of the dancers on the back with a big "Excelente!"<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Feis America LLC: What plans do you have for your adult Irish dancing group in the future?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Mary: We look forward to attracting more adult dancers in the Atlanta area who enjoy the challenge of Irish dance, and the mighty craic that goes along with it! We hope to branch out to other performance opportunities while continuing to support the local feiseanna. And we definitely plan to throw more parties with all of our families where we can roll up the rugs and dance a ceili or two!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Irish Central: What advice do you have for schools who are just beginning to teach a few adults?</div>
<div class="p2">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Faith: Don't make it stressful. Adults are there for fun and stress relief. If it's too structured, it's not fun. Mix it up with steps and figures. Have social time outside of dance to build friendship and camaraderie so the competition doesn't divide the group.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Mary: Challenge them as dancers, respect them as adults, get to know them as friends.<br />
<br /></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-32121892999796395042012-05-31T15:20:00.000-07:002012-06-17T15:20:48.878-07:00Evolution or revolution? The world is a stage for adult Irish dancers<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqfwt7Qnxk4/T8VDqsBI-lI/AAAAAAAABs0/27LaksDdpn0/s1600/Irish+dance+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqfwt7Qnxk4/T8VDqsBI-lI/AAAAAAAABs0/27LaksDdpn0/s320/Irish+dance+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish Dancer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glueckauf/2371443160/" target="_blank">Andreas Schepers</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When the dance masters traveled through Ireland in the 1700s and 1800s, they taught mainly adults and very few children. What a contrast that is to today, when the majority of instructional Irish dance dollars are spent on children and teens. Even with the flux in ages of dancers, it is increasingly clear that anyone who wishes to dance may do so.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Twelve years of age may seem late to begin dancing by modern standards, but Phil Cahill is quoted as saying that when he began dancing in the early 1900s, “There were no children dancing like there are nowadays”. It is interesting to note that, according to Cahill, there were plenty of boys and men interested in dancing. Few girls competed, and they were only adult women who participated in figure dancing.*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">When you walk into a modern Irish dance studio, the overwhelming majority of students are female children and young adults. The occasional boy is seen clicking his heels and many Irish dance studios now teach adult classes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeiNck9fQs8/T8ZDDUnYXeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/MnWvmxJyFSk/s1600/blackbirds+photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeiNck9fQs8/T8ZDDUnYXeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/MnWvmxJyFSk/s320/blackbirds+photo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Blackbirds adult Irish dance group<br />at the College of Wooster in Ohio<br />Photo courtesy The Blackbirds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You may wonder why you should even care whether adults danced in the past. The answer is simple: we can learn how to bring about positive change in the future by examining the past.<br />
<br />
Adult Irish dancing has seen an increase in the past few decades, as have all things Irish dancing since Riverdance The Show. With the increased connectivity of the internet, more Irish dancing adults are supporting each other in their goals whether for competition, performance, or the sheer fun of it. Young champions are continuing to dance into their adult years, some dancers are returning to the now adult-favorable atmosphere and new adult beginners are trickling in.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/guaranteed-fun-summer-camp-themes-for-irish-dancing-schools-155420765.html#ixzz1wIew7jZb" target="_blank">Guaranteed fun summer camp themes for Irish dancing schools</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/healthy-irish-dancing/try-interval-training-this-summer-to-step-up-competitive-irish-dancing-154964625.html#ixzz1wIf3pJAz" target="_blank">Try Interval training this summer to step up competitive Irish dancing</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/waterford-and-galway-irish-crystal-awards-rank-high-on-irish-dancer-wishlists-photos-154411755.html#ixzz1wIfFAyHW" target="_blank">Waterford and Galway Irish crystal awards rank high on Irish dancer wishlists PHOTOS</a></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />--------------------</span></div>
<br />
After one hundred years, the demographics in Irish dance have shifted from mostly adults to an overwhelming flux of young dancers. This switch happened naturally and can easily swing in both directions. One can only hope that the door will continue to swing wide and allow dancers of all ages opportunities to express themselves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmfnaNXSPDw/T8ZDfGb-a0I/AAAAAAAAB5M/X28Y2KWLpFg/s1600/FA3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmfnaNXSPDw/T8ZDfGb-a0I/AAAAAAAAB5M/X28Y2KWLpFg/s320/FA3.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">William Lee<br />O'Rourke Irish Dancers, New York<br />Photo S.J. Velasquez for Feis America LLC</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Where will the adult Irish dancer's journey take him? What possibilities will arise for adults as they brainstorm and find new outlets for their love of dancing?<br />
<br />
If the world is a stage, adults don’t have to be in the audience. Having a few more birthdays won’t hold them back from pursuing what they are passionate about. The question is not simply what can an adult Irish dancer do, but what can she can become?<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Cullinane, Dr. John P. <i>Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing</i>. Ireland: Published by the author, 1987, p. 44.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-----------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!</span></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-36234541551893411082012-05-31T13:16:00.000-07:002012-08-14T13:16:43.228-07:00Evolution or revolution? The world is a stage for adult Irish dancers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqfwt7Qnxk4/T8VDqsBI-lI/AAAAAAAABs0/27LaksDdpn0/s1600/Irish+dance+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqfwt7Qnxk4/T8VDqsBI-lI/AAAAAAAABs0/27LaksDdpn0/s320/Irish+dance+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish Dancer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glueckauf/2371443160/" target="_blank">Andreas Schepers</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When the dance masters traveled through Ireland in the 1700s and 1800s, they taught mainly adults and very few children. What a contrast that is to today, when the majority of instructional Irish dance dollars are spent on children and teens. Even with the flux in ages of dancers, it is increasingly clear that anyone who wishes to dance may do so.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Twelve years of age may seem late to begin dancing by modern standards, but Phil Cahill is quoted as saying that when he began dancing in the early 1900s, “There were no children dancing like there are nowadays”. It is interesting to note that, according to Cahill, there were plenty of boys and men interested in dancing. Few girls competed, and they were only adult women who participated in figure dancing.*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">When you walk into a modern Irish dance studio, the overwhelming majority of students are female children and young adults. The occasional boy is seen clicking his heels and many Irish dance studios now teach adult classes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeiNck9fQs8/T8ZDDUnYXeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/MnWvmxJyFSk/s1600/blackbirds+photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeiNck9fQs8/T8ZDDUnYXeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/MnWvmxJyFSk/s320/blackbirds+photo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Blackbirds adult Irish dance group<br />at the College of Wooster in Ohio<br />Photo courtesy The Blackbirds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You may wonder why you should even care whether adults danced in the past. The answer is simple: we can learn how to bring about positive change in the future by examining the past.<br />
<br />
Adult Irish dancing has seen an increase in the past few decades, as have all things Irish dancing since Riverdance The Show. With the increased connectivity of the internet, more Irish dancing adults are supporting each other in their goals whether for competition, performance, or the sheer fun of it. Young champions are continuing to dance into their adult years, some dancers are returning to the now adult-favorable atmosphere and new adult beginners are trickling in.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Read more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/guaranteed-fun-summer-camp-themes-for-irish-dancing-schools-155420765.html#ixzz1wIew7jZb" target="_blank">Guaranteed fun summer camp themes for Irish dancing schools</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/healthy-irish-dancing/try-interval-training-this-summer-to-step-up-competitive-irish-dancing-154964625.html#ixzz1wIf3pJAz" target="_blank">Try Interval training this summer to step up competitive Irish dancing</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/moms-to-reel-boys/waterford-and-galway-irish-crystal-awards-rank-high-on-irish-dancer-wishlists-photos-154411755.html#ixzz1wIfFAyHW" target="_blank">Waterford and Galway Irish crystal awards rank high on Irish dancer wishlists PHOTOS</a></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />--------------------</span></div>
<br />
After one hundred years, the demographics in Irish dance have shifted from mostly adults to an overwhelming flux of young dancers. This switch happened naturally and can easily swing in both directions. One can only hope that the door will continue to swing wide and allow dancers of all ages opportunities to express themselves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmfnaNXSPDw/T8ZDfGb-a0I/AAAAAAAAB5M/X28Y2KWLpFg/s1600/FA3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmfnaNXSPDw/T8ZDfGb-a0I/AAAAAAAAB5M/X28Y2KWLpFg/s320/FA3.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">William Lee<br />O'Rourke Irish Dancers, New York<br />Photo S.J. Velasquez for Feis America LLC</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Where will the adult Irish dancer's journey take him? What possibilities will arise for adults as they brainstorm and find new outlets for their love of dancing?<br />
<br />
If the world is a stage, adults don’t have to be in the audience. Having a few more birthdays won’t hold them back from pursuing what they are passionate about. The question is not simply what can an adult Irish dancer do, but what can she can become?<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Cullinane, Dr. John P. <i>Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing</i>. Ireland: Published by the author, 1987, p. 44.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-----------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer, competitive or not, with a story to share? Would you like to inspire others to feel your passion for Irish dancing and culture? Do you have a question about Irish dancing? Please comment in the box below for replies and contact information!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance and has been selected by the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America to provide live commentary and results at the </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-American-Irish-Dance-Championships-2012/233090553410045?ref=ts" style="background-color: white;"><span class="s1">2012 North American National Irish Dancing Championships</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">!</span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-54910634286178882942012-05-29T21:27:00.002-07:002012-05-29T21:27:40.259-07:00Irish dance diet - Summer is the best time for a healthy lifestyle change<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JezJ93_PyA/T8Wdf7SHthI/AAAAAAAABtA/Nsco2fZBbIk/s1600/summer+fruits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JezJ93_PyA/T8Wdf7SHthI/AAAAAAAABtA/Nsco2fZBbIk/s320/summer+fruits.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer fruits<br />Photo: Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsmagic/3685266706/sizes/o/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Mrs. Magic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
If you are paying attention to my Irish dance diet, you may have noticed how slooowly the weight is coming off. Mostly it's because I am distracted by the many irons I have in the fire. But I figure a small weight loss is better than none. Seriously, I could be 4 pounds heavier than I was when I started and I'm not!<br />
<br />
To me, summer is the perfect time to be on a diet. The air is warm and the breeze smells like new life. <br />
<br />
I think that it is easier to exercise in the summer because the weather is nice and I am more likely to get outside and be active. The sun sets later and there are more hours in the day. It is easier to drag my sorry behind out of bed in the morning if it is light outside. Swimming, hiking, biking, walking, running, dancing, whatever you love, get out and do it!<br />
<br />
I love fruit, especially berries! Summer fruit is such a luxury and feels like a treat to the dieting me. Strawberries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, apples and cherries! Is your mouth watering yet? I do much better on my healthy eating lifestyle if I feel satisfied, and fruit helps me fill that void.<br />
<br />
How does summertime motivate you to take better care of yourself?<br />
<br />
Week Eight</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Weight lost=.7 pounds</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Total weight loss= 4.1 pounds</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330399714709578300.post-73686965932679149272012-05-24T15:19:00.000-07:002012-06-17T15:19:58.194-07:00Irish dance competitions for adult Irish dancers in June<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background-color: white;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUNXWo4y6BU/T7vyai2aRsI/AAAAAAAABrA/NpybN9xIVWs/s1600/Munich+adult+dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUNXWo4y6BU/T7vyai2aRsI/AAAAAAAABrA/NpybN9xIVWs/s400/Munich+adult+dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adult Irish dancers at a <a href="http://nathanbaillieul.com/munichsummercamp.com/adultworkshop.html" target="_blank">workshop in Munich</a><br />Photo: courtesy Shane McAvinchey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Many feiseanna (Irish dance competitions) offer competitions for adult Irish dancers. Here's a quick glance at feiseanna that welcome adult Irish dancers in June.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Plan on supporting a feis in your area that includes adult Irish dancers and keep an eye out for those feiseanna who are offering slow speed dances for adults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Source: www.feisworx.com <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Key: FF-first feis B-beginner, N-novice, PW-prize winner, O-open championship</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://feisdetroit.com/" target="_blank">Detroit International Feis 2012</a></b><br />Detroit, MI - Jun 1, 2012 to Jun 2, 2012</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4,6,8 hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: parent child figure</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Grand Canyon State Feis 2012</b><br />Scottsdale, AZ - Jun 2, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012<br />Grand Canyon State Feis Committee</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">FF, B1, B2, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8 hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: traditional hornpipe special, family 2 hand</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.yeatesacademy.com/" target="_blank">Oregon State Championship Feis 2012</a></b><br />Portland, OR - Jun 2, 2012 to Jun 3, 2012<br />Yeates Academy<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">B, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8 hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://houstonacademy.ca/" target="_blank">Houston Academy Feis 2012</a></b><br />Calgary, AB - Jun 8, 2012 to Jun 10, 2012<br />Calgary Irish Music and Dance Association</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">B, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8, progressive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: treble reel special</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.celticsteps.org/pikespeakfeis.html" target="_blank">Pikes Peak Feis 2012</a></b><br />Monument, CO - Jun 8, 2012 to Jun 9, 2012<br />Celtic Steps</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">B, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, slow and traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hand jig, 3 hand reel, 6 hand reel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: Ceili championship: a team of 8 dancers presents a four hand and an 8 hand dance</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://stewartschoolofirishdance.com/?page_id=29" target="_blank">Beautiful British Columbia Feis 2012</a></b><br />Surrey, BC - Jun 16, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012<br />Tara Rince Society<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">B, N, PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,6,8, progressive <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ozarkmountainfeis.com/OzarkMountainFeis/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Ozark Mountains Feis 2012</a></b><br />Branson, MO - Jun 17, 2012<br />McCafferty School of Irish Dance</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">B1/B2, N/PW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2,3,4,8 hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: family figure</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.twincitiesfeile.com/" target="_blank">Twin Cities Feile 2012</a></b><br />St. Paul, MN - Jun 23, 2012<br />Shamrock School of Irish Dance</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
B1/B2, N/PW</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">8 hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: parent/child figure</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.irishdanceinutah.com/" target="_blank">Utah State Feis 2012</a></b><br />Sandy, UT - Jun 23, 2012<br />Scariff-Hardiman School of Irish Dance</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
B, N, PW</div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4 soft shoe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 hard shoe, traditional speeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">traditional set <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">8 hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">specials: treble reel</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have a photo of your adult class practicing or performing that you would like to see featured, please <a href="mailto:christy@dorrity.net" target="_blank">email me</a>.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com0