Irish dance goes global, The Israeli Academy of Irish Dance (PHOTOS)

A big welcome to Yair Werdyger, TCRG/ADCRG and founder of The Israeli Academy of Irish Dance.

Christy: How did your dance school begin?

Yair: I first saw Irish Dance in 1994 at the Eurovision song contest when Michael Flatley and Jean Butler danced the seven minutes of Riverdance. I bought video tapes of self learning made by Olive Hurley.

In 2002 after serving three years in the Israeli army, I opened Irish Dance - Israel.

At first there were thirty students that were the first Israeli Irish dance troupe and the main purpose was to perform and bring this art form to Israel. In 2005 I was exposed to the traditional dance and a new world opened to my eyes, so I decided to learn correctly and I traveled back and forth to Galway. There I was taught by my dance teacher and adjudicator, Mary Brady.

I traveled to many competitions to practice and did sessions with famous adjudicators including: John Carey, Sarah Clark, Jackie Kennedy, Mary Sweeney, Vicki Paulin, Lisa Delaney, Ronan McCormak, Michael Meehan, and the one and only Molly Farrelly.

In 2011, I passed the ADCRG exam and became the first qualified adjudicator in Israel, and in January 2013 I had the privilege to dance with Lord of the Dance on their Israeli tour.

Now we have around 250 students in the Academy ages 6-60 and I expect that every year we will grow. 

Christy: How is Irish dance received in Israel? 

Yair: It is received very well. Lord of the Dance performed in Israel 4 times and every performance was sold out.

Every year the demand for us to perform in private and at corporate events has grown, and our big show, Magic of Ireland, composed by my partner Alex Reznikovich, sold out in many of the big theaters in Israel.

Christy: Does your school compete or perform? Where have you danced?

Yair: Every year we run a class Feis in our academy and I host adjudicators from abroad.

On the 13th of October 2013 our student, Itay Cohen, who is celebrating 40 years old, competed and placed well at the Vienna Feis.

We have a couple, Pavel Kolesov and Marina Frumkin, who will compete at the Mainland of Europe championship in Krakow this November in primary and intermediate level. I think in 2 years they can be qualified to compete at the worlds and will be the first Israeli dancers there.

I am the soloist of the show which I created with the composer Alex Reznikovich. Magic of Ireland combines my academy's dance troupe, Alex's Irish band, and a singer. It's a dynamic show with international standards.

We also performed in Irish pubs around Israel, especially on St. Patrick's Day and Arthur Guinness Day.

Christy: Do you teach adult Irish dancers?

Yair: Sure! At the beginning of our school, just adults came to dance because they were exposed to Irish dance when Lord of the Dance came to Israel, but now there are many kids who are attending the classes, and we have families who dance too.

Christy: What are your goals in Irish dancing?

Yair: As for my own goals, I have achieved lots of them: qualified to be a teacher and adjudicator, danced with Lord of the Dance, and adjudicate in many major competitions, including the worlds.

Bringing more kids and adults to the classes, and sending many students to compete abroad, including the worlds.

Lastly, to make Magic of Ireland an international show.

Christy: How do you envision Irish dance in the future in Israel?

Yair: I think in couple of years the Irish dance will be as well known in Israel as ballet, flamenco, belly dance, salsa, etc.

I brought the Irish dance to Israel, and I will keep doing this for many years ahead--it's my full time job and passion.

Christy: Is there anything else that you would like us to know?

Yair: Our Academy is like family and among our adult students we have 3 couples who met during the classes. I also met my love, Inbal, in the academy and I feel blessed every day.

* All photos courtesy of The Israeli Academy of Irish Dance.

Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

A year of the Irish dance diet, reaching goals and beautiful rewards

Prime Dress Designs the reward of hard labor

Month: 12
Weight: 140
Weight lost: 15 pounds
Muscle gained: 17
Total fat loss: 34 pounds
Body Fat percentage lost: 22%

This month marks one year since the beginning of the Irish dance diet, and I am happy to say that I am reaching my goals! In my first post about the Irish dance diet, I talked about why I wanted to do an Irish dance diet.

Basically, my goals of being a proficient Irish dancer, and my lifestyle and health problems were incompatible. I knew that if I didn't change my habits, that I would never reach my goals.

Well, my goals are within reach, and I'm almost there. Next month when I post, I hope to be able to say that I've reached my goals.
I've come so far, it would be such a shame if I didn't push through to the end and make it happen. It will be hard, but I want to give my body and my dancing the best chance.

And did you see that gorgeous dress at the top of my post? It is the work of Prime Dress Designs. When I reach my goal, I am having one similar in style and color made for me. I know, for a 36 year old mother of five to want an expensive, shiny dress may seem silly to some.

But for me, that dress represents all of the hard work and sacrifice, the putting aside of fears and doubts, and the training that have helped me achieve a goal that I'm not even sure I believed could happen in the beginning.

I can see the end in sight, it's up ahead. Now is the time for me to buckle down, and sprint to the finish. And while I would like to say, "wish me luck!", I've learned that luck has nothing to do with it. So instead, give a little cheer to help me on my way.

Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com.

Irish dance diet - Harvesting the fruits of your labors

Christy Dorrity and Victoria Lambourne, TCRG,
at the launch party of AWAKENING
Photo: Kathleen Lamborn

Month: 11
Weight: 140
Weight lost: 15 pounds
Muscle gained: 17
Total fat loss: 32 pounds

For years I've been working hard. Not just on training my body, but on bettering my Irish dancing and writing a novel. It's been a great journey, full of hard work, sweat, and bumps in the road. Sometimes I've wondered if I would ever reach my goals, or if I would be happy when I arrived at the end of my journey.

This month I've seen the fruits of my labors rewarded in a harvest of plenty:

1-I am a hairs breath away from my personal training goals (can't wait for maintenance). It's been almost exactly a year from when I started, and I'm looking at solo dresses! More on that later. I can't tell you how good it feels to have my body in shape again. My body no longer gets in my way when I'm dancing, and I feel great!

2-My novel, AWAKENING, (about an Irish dancer) debuted this month, after four years of work. The launch was fantastic, blowing the doors off of the sales we expected to reach. My dance school hosted a launch party where we danced some Irish and I signed copies of the book. I can't tell you what that night meant to me. It was a fantastic blend of family, Irish dance, and the culmination of many years of hard work. Truly a bounteous harvest.

3-This weekend I went to the Southern California Open Feis in Redlands, CA, competing as an adult at the champion level. I placed last, but I danced hard and felt great about it. I felt accepted by the fellow competitors, the judge, and the teachers, and the satisfaction of being able to dance at that level was a boon.

I'll tell you what I tell the kids when I sign a book for them:

"Believe in the unseen, and follow your dreams!"

Yes, they really do come true!

Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

Irish dance shoes giveaway by debut Celtic fantasy author

Awakening: Book One of The Geis
by Christy Dorrity
Photo: courtesy Christy Dorrity

I'm so tickled to announce to you the publication of my debut novel, Awakening: Book One of The Geis! Awakening is a young adult mythic fantasy based in Celtic mythology. It is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Hulluchan Pro ghillies
Photo: courtesy Antonio Pacelli

To celebrate, I'm giving away a pair of Hulluchan Pro Irish dance ghillies, generously donated by Antonio Pacelli.

To enter the contest, purchase a copy of Awakening, and then send me a proof of purchase (whether it be a confirmation email, a screen shot of your purchase, or a photo of you with the book or the cover on your eReader), and then enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below!

 

About the Book

. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.

A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.

When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened.

When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy. A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.

Praise for Awakening

"AWAKENING is a wonder and a delight. Christy Dorrity is a talent to watch."
~David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of Nightingale

"I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance."
~ CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.

About the Author

Christy Dorrity
Photo: courtesy Christy Dorrity

Christy Dorrity lives in the mountains with her husband, five children, and a cocker spaniel. She grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, and is the author of The Geis series for young adults, and The Book Blogger’s Cookbooks. Christy is a champion Irish dancer and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.

www.christydorrity.com
@christydorrity
facebook.com/authorchristydorrity

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Irish dance is expanding at The Carey Academy in Russia (PHOTOS)

Carey Academy Russia Irish dancers

Photo: courtesy of Carey Academy Russia

"It is wonderful to see Irish dancing and culture alive and thriving in Russia. I am very excited to be involved in the developing stages of this art form in this part of the world, and I see a great future for Irish dancing in Russia." 

~John Carey

Darya Markosyan teaches at the Carey Academy Russia in Yekaterinburg, Russia. She teaches dancers ages 12-48 years old, and the school is lucky enough to have regular instruction by John Carey A.D.C.R.G (certified teacher and adjudicator), from Burmingham, England.

Two-hand reel at Moscow Feis 2012

Photo: courtesy of Carey Academy Russia

Christy: Your school recently coordinated with John Carey. How did this come about and what are the results thus far?

Darya: I first saw John performing at NANs in 2006 and thought he was surely the best dancer I've ever seen. I wrote him an email, closed my eyes and pressed the send button, now my dancers have workshops with John and other Carey Academy teachers on regular basis. Our dancers joke than even watching John Carey dance for 3 minutes increases your own jump height in 5 cm. 

Christy: Where do your dancers compete and/or perform?

Darya: We try to go to at least two feiseanna in Russia and at least one in Europe. We do not really focus on performances as much as on competitions.

Christy: Do you teach adult dancers? How do they fit into your school's culture?

Darya: I teach mostly adult dancers. Irish dance is still very new to Russia, especially in the regions, so most of kids who dance in our school are our adult dancers' relatives, or their friends' children, or somehow related to people who are connected with the school. In my own class I have dancers aged 12-48 practicing together, cheering for each other at competitions and helping each other out, whether it's about mastering a new dance or coping with tricky homework assignment.

Irish dancers at RTME Feis/Oireachtas

 in Milan, November 2011

Photo: courtesy Carey Academy Russia

Christy: How is Irish dance received in Russia?

Darya: Whenever a show like Lord of the Dance or Gaelforce Dance is coming to perform in Russia, venues everywhere are sold out. While organizing feiseanna and grade exams, I discovered that professional dancers and choreographers in Russia do not take irish dancing serious (yet!).

Christy: Earlier this year you attended the European Oireachtas, where one of your students became the first Worlds qualifier from your school. How do you think this will help motivate the other students in your school?

Darya: I do see the difference already. Other dancers know Alina (age 13) quite well, see how hard she practices and realize that whatever they want is really possible to achieve.

Alina Valeeva, European Oireachtas 2012 in Salzburg

Photo: courtesy of Carey Academy Russia

Christy: Can I ask Alina what her Irish dance goals are?

Alina: If I qualify in Poland next year I will go to the Worlds in 2014. Honestly, I don't know what I will do after the Worlds. Maybe I will go on practicing, maybe I will give up dancing (because I need to study a lot as I will be in high school). But for now, I will dance on. And this is really a very important part of my life!

Christy: How does it feel to be a part of Irish dance history in Russia?

Darya: That's really exciting. Over the 10 years Russia has progressed from trying to copy moves from shows like Riverdance or Lord of the Dance, to dancing at World's stage. It's great to see schools from outside Moscow and St Petersburg organize feiseanna and grade exams and stand on podium during the results and meet people from all over the country. When I started dancing, the only tutorial everybody had was Olive Hurley's DVDs, and now there are six schools registered with CLRG (Irish dance organization), and the same people who accidentally influenced Russian Irish dancing (like Olive Hurley or Mary Duffy) are now adjudicating feiseanna here in the country.

Irish dancers at a Summer camp in July 2012 

with John Carey in Ufa, Russia

Photo: courtesy Carey Academy Russia

Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

National Irish Dance Federation and World Irish Dance Association merge

On August 21, 2013, two Irish dance organizations merged together to form a larger open platform organization. Earlier that month, the National Irish Dance Federation (NAIDF) split, with many of the individual schools being welcomed into various organizations. Many Irish dance schools that previously participated in NAIDF were welcomed into the World Irish Dance Association (WIDA). Sean Gavan, founder of WIDA is confident that the merger will benefit dancers of both organizations.

"This merger will give people who want to try something different from the existing large dancing bodies an organization with a wider geographic reach as something to be part of,"Gavan says.

Both WIDA and NAIDF were open platform organizations, which means that any dancer can participate in competitions, regardless of the organization that they belong to, and even if they are self-taught. The merging of organizations combines the efforts of each one  to bring more experiences to those who are involved. It will now be easier for all Irish dancers to make choices that are suitable for them and their families. Gavan says, "In times past, the options of choice were limited, but today that has certainly changed and we look forward to seeing the awareness of Irish dance increase and become more accessible for everyone."

Among the other options available to those who were affected by the NAIDF split is a new organization called Rince Tuatha Nua, which means, "a new Irish dance community". More information about many Irish dance groups who participate in open platform competitions can be found at The Road Together website.

"We are very happy to welcome so many new schools in to the WIDA organization," Gavan says. "We look upon ourselves as a family and we welcome all the new schools in to our dancing family."


Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

Irish dance diet - How to find your own pot of gold

Photo: flickr user tao_zhyn

Month: 9
Weight: 142
Weight lost: 13 pounds
Muscle gained: 17
Total fat loss: 30 pounds

You may have heard that a man will become rich by following a rainbow to its end, where fabled leprechauns squirrel away their gold. Are the legends true? Can something be had for nothing? 

I think we all know the answer:  there is no replacement for hard work. 

Those pounds are not going to melt away like magic. Strong muscles will not build themselves. 

Leprechauns are tricky fellows; they lure the unsuspecting on an impossible quest. To the mythological laborer, assurance of easy riches is a powerful siren that calls him away from the daily grind toward a magical life of ease. He leaves all that he has worked for and drifts toward the allusive rainbow, always just out of reach.

Scientifically, we understand that the rainbow is an optical effect that depends on the location of the viewer. The closer we try to get to its end, the further away the bow will drift.

A rainbow can be thought of in a different light: as a visionary goal. Think of the rainbow as a metaphor for a lofty goal that you have set for yourself. Does it seem so far away that you could walk forever and never reach it?

Unlike a physical rainbow, we have control over the attainability of our personal rainbows. I had a teacher in high school who drilled the importance of determined work into my brain, “Working will win, when wishy-washy wishing won’t,” he often quoted (Thanks Mr. C).

Photo: flickr user dingbat2005

Think of the most successful people you know. Did they pine away after a get-rich-quick scheme or complain about how they just couldn't give up their cola to improve their health? If you take a close look at those people whom you admire, you will see a trend of hard work and determination. Probe a little further and those accomplished success stories will reveal a secret the leprechauns would rather you didn’t know:  when they reached the end of their journey for success, it wasn’t the “pot of gold” at the end that gave them the satisfaction they had looked towards, it was the passage of time and work that became the real treasure.

Dictionary.com defines a pot of gold as the realization of all one’s hopes and dreams; ultimate success, fulfillment, or happiness. That kind of gold can be found at the end of anyone’s rainbow. Look for your own bow of light, and resist the urge to wait around for success to find you. Catherine Pulsifer, editor of Inspirational Words of Wisdom puts it another way, “Wishing for something occupies the mind, but leaves the bank empty. “

Whether you are working toward improving your health, learning a new set dance, or improving your technique, work hard and keep your rainbow in view, and your own pot of gold will be within grabbing distance. Just don’t forget to gather the valuable nuggets abounding from your efforts along the way.

Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

Shut up and dance! Exclusive interview with Irish dancer Joel Hanna (PHOTOS)

Joel Hanna, Irish dancer and choreographer

"Listen to your teachers...shut up and dance!"

~Joel Hannah

Joel Hanna is well known throughout the world for his innovative Irish dance techniques. A Vancouver, B.C. native, Joel began his Irish dance training at the age of nine. He launched his career and joined "Riverdance" in 1997, after which he joined the original stars of the show, Colin Dunne and Jean Butler, to perform in "Dancing on Dangerous Ground". He has taught and choreographed all over the world, spreading his love of dance, percussion, and martial arts. In May of 2013, Joel was involved with the dance choreography of young Schuyler Iona Press's production, "What I'm Failing to Learn". He soloed and choreographed in "Pastures", a Woodie Guthrie piece that was selected as a New York Times pick of 2012. Joel most recently finished a performance of "Choreography on The Edge" to sold out audiences in Woodstock. 

Joel Hanna

Christy:  How did you get started in dancing?

Joel:  That's a bit of a story. I started doing Philippino folk dance when I was about five, and then quit for the same reasons any toddler does anything—something shiny caught my attention. Whether it was kung fu or Transformers, I don't know, but I ended up a couple years later fumbling into an Irish dance class with my sister. My dad is Irish, so it was kind of a no brainer. But, back then it was different. Irish dance was still a thing that you only did because your family was Irish, or at some point claimed to be. So, to be this little half-Asian thing, bouncing around in a kilt at feiseanna all over the place must've been a sight to see. I started doing pretty well and traveling a lot to compete, so the cockeyed skeptic quickly jumped on board. From there, to somehow ending up in Riverdance, Dangerous Ground, becoming a principal in Fire, and then starting to produce and getting to be myself all the time, it seems like a life time ago.

Christy:  What is it about Irish dancing that draws you? 

Joel:  Wow. That's an interesting question. In it's traditional form, I think the universal appeal of Irish dance comes from the music. There is something charming and fetching about Irish music that is infectious--that much is undeniable. And now, thinking back to when I was a kid growing up with this, there's something really special about the innocence of it. This ancient form of spectacle and social dance has made it through thousands of years of cultural evolution without changing much (until the last few decades really), and was a closely guarded secret. Now, I want to see what can be done with it. I believe that it has the ability to be as much of a relevant form of contemporary movement as any other dance form. The traditional form and competitive system of Irish dance will always be there, and I believe it should be. I disagree with people who say that it needs to change and evolve. I don't think it does. I believe that it is the text book that we need to build our foundation from as dancers, and to master the vocabulary handed down by the generations before us. But I believe Irish dance is at a critical point, and the future of it excites me.  

Joel Hanna in Choreography on the Edge

Christy:  Your style of teaching and performance has been called innovative. What is it about your style that is unique?

Joel:  Really? That's very generous, thank you. I guess it's because I like to do things in my weird way. I think a lot about philosophy when I start on projects and new works, and I get inspiration from a whole whack of places and people. Bruce Lee is a great one for me, not just physically though. His words, I believe, have application in life as a whole. But we're all different, and everyone comes from their own background and experience.

I don't know really, I just know that it works. When I'm working with dancers, especially competitive dancers, I work on "them" much more than the material that they are doing. I think that the fundamental mechanics of their own bodies is a much more important subject to focus on. Technique depends on it. How can a dancer of any kind have any technique if they don't have the facilities to support technique? I use a combination of kung fu strengthening and stretching methods with ballet training to condition dancers, and myself. I won't say who's method is right or wrong, or that mine is any better, but I know it works, and it works fast.

I know that my life and career have been a sort of fairytale. I find it hard to take in sometimes. Between the things that I've gotten to do that came out of nowhere, and the things that we put ourselves through hell for, a lot of it seems surreal sometimes, and I don't know why I've been lucky enough to live it. 

Christy:  How did you meet Schuyler Iona Press, and what made you decide to be involved in the production of "What I'm Failing to Learn"?

Joel Hanna

 Joel:  I first met Sky when she was really little. She was just this tiny little thing in a school that had brought me in to do a workshop and set a choreography on. I had no idea that there was this magical little thing in the room at the time. I'd seen her sporadically in the last few years and heard about her developing talent, so when I was approached to be a part of this project, of course I had to say yes. The idea being so out of left field, and interesting, to the point that I didn't know if I'd be able to do it, is what really caught my attention. Whenever a challenge comes up like this, I know that no matter how it ends up manifesting itself in the end, it's going to be interesting, and a surprise worth waiting for. 

Christy:  How did it feel to perform for to a sold out audience in Choreography on The Edge?

Joel:  It was wonderful—and terrifying! I always get really nervous when putting out a new piece like that.We got an wonderful review from the New York Times, "The spark of Joel Hanna’s tapping and clogging, like the sheer panache of his performance, was utterly winning, but his camaraderie was equally so," and the piece was later selected as one the NY Times picks of 2012. It was one of my favorite things to do. 

Christy:  What are your thoughts about the future of Irish dance performance? 

Joel Hanna

Joel:  I wish I could see into the future and come up with an answer that doesn't make me sound like an idiot, but I can't. But I have hopes for Irish dance, and whenever I wonder about what is going to happen, there are words from some of the greatest dance icons in history that make me feel excited to see it. Ted Shawn said that "Dance is the only art of which we are the stuff of which its made", and Martha Graham said that "It is a barometer telling the state of the soul's weather to all who can read it." I know both of those ideas to be true. And I know that I would do this whether there was anyone there to notice or not. So, I guess I think that as long as the heart and soul of the people Irish dancing is in the right place, I can look to the future with curious excitement. But even then, I can only tell you where my heart and soul will be. 

Christy:  Are there any other projects, recent or future that you are willing to tell us about? 

Joel:  The next season is crazy for me. I think I'm going to be on almost every continent in the next year. I have some exciting new collaborations in China, with a new collection of repertoire coming out in North America. There's a wonderful outreach program this December in India that I can't wait for (I love doing outreach work) and in the New Year I'll be back in Europe for a few months. We're only half way through this year and I'm chomping at the bit to dig into next season.

Christy:  What advice do you have to Irish dancers who are just starting out? 

Joel:  Shut up and dance. Learn as much as you can, keep what works for you and throw away what doesn't. Listen to your teachers, and don't ever think that there's such a thing as "too much practice". And no matter what happens, or what people say, don't you ever, ever, ever quit. 

*all photos are kindly provided courtesy of Joel Hanna

Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com.

Irish dance diet - 3 ways to overcome injury

Daughter helps mommy when she gets injured during
an Irish dance competition
Photo: Christy Dorrity

This month I've seen some dramatic changes in the way I feel, and the way my clothing fits. I have tremendous stamina, am learning more than one dance at a time (something I couldn't do before), and my confidence shows in the way I attack my routines.

Month: 8
Weight: 143
Weight lost: 12 pounds
Muscle gained: 14.17
Total fat loss: 26.73

Life is not perfect--it is full of holidays, vacations, desserts and days when you just can't exercise. But what happens when you sustain an injury and are unable to dance and workout?

It would be easy to give up and say, "that lifestyle change was a good idea, but it's too hard". But you don't have to. Here are some ideas for helping you recover and get back to your goals.

Three ways to push through an injury:

1. Follow all of your doctors instructions. Use all prescribed medications and support products that will help speed recovery. Don't begin dancing until your doctor gives you the go ahead--even if you feel fine. 

2. Use the down time for strength training and mental conditioning.  Stretch uninjured muscles, take a walk (doctor permitting) and research new techniques. Put on some of your favorite practice music and visualize yourself dancing a perfect step. Keep your body and mind sharp, and you won't even miss a beat. 

3. Take it slow. When you go back to dance class, listen to your body. If your injury starts to feel painful or strained, lower your intensity level, or sit it out and observe the lesson.

If you follow your doctors instructions, use the down time for conditioning, and take it easy coming back to dance, you will be back on your feet in no time.

What are your experiences with injuries as a dancer?  How do you cope when you hit a rough spot in your lifestyle change? Did it take you long to get back in the jig of things or did you have setbacks?


Readers: Are you an Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

Echoes of Erin Irish dance school in Hong Kong hosts the first international Irish dance competition in Asia - PHOTOS

Irish dancers from Echoes of Erin Irish Dance
in Hong Kong

Irish dance is growing in Asia, and Echoes of Erin Irish Dance is helping to lead the way. The dance school hosted the first open feis in Asia in June of 2012. Now, only a year later, their feis marked another first--an international Irish dancing competition and premiership. The feis was held in Hong Kong on June 8, 2013. Dancers from over 25 nations came to attend the competition, some from as far away as Russia. 

Irish dancer holds the Hong Kong flag
at WIDA Worlds

Catriona Newcombe, founder of Echoes of Erin, is thrilled with the progress that Irish dancing is making in Hong Kong. Read on to find out what Catriona has to say about the future of Irish dance in Asia.

Christy:  How did Echoes of Erin get its start?

Catriona:  Echoes of Erin originally started in Florida, where I first starting teaching many years ago. I have since moved to England, France, Dubai, and have now Hong Kong.

Christy:  Where do you perform/compete?

Catriona: We are very lucky to have the continuous support of the Irish community here in Hong Kong. We have performed alongside Brian Kennedy in Dubai,  Davy Spillane in City hall Hong Kong,  all the annual St Patrick’s Society’s Hong Kong functions, the Asian Gaelic games, and many more. 

Christy:  Some of your dancers attended the WIDA World and European Championship. What did you do to prepare?

Catriona:  We had eleven kids and three adults attend the competitions. For some this was their first feis ever. We practiced up to 4 hours a day, sometimes 5 times a week! It was hard work but we enjoyed every minute. Out of eleven children, we received around eight cups and 70 plus medals.

Catriona Newcombe and her mummy
 Heather Newcombe at WIDA Worlds

Christy:  Do you teach adult dancers?

Catriona:  We have a fantastic adult group! You are never too old to dance and it is so lovely to see the young dancers encourage and help the adults when we are performing. Three of our adults  competed in the Europeans and Worlds Championships and received many awards.

Christy:  Tell me about your recent feis.

Catriona:  We hosted Hong Kong’s very first open international Irish dancing competitions and premierships this year, and it was a great success! We were very lucky to have Les Baird, ADCRG, as our adjudicator and he was great! His comments and constructive criticism were invaluable.

We were privileged to have Harry O Neil, the Honorary Irish Consulate of Hong Kong pop in to present his award, along with Canice Gleeson, founder of Asia’s only Celtic Connection Chamber Choir and International Concert Orchestra of Hong Kong, and many more! The Irish community in Hong Kong are brilliant and have supported Echoes Of Erin school of Irish Dancing since day one.

We had over twenty-five nationalities attend the feis. It was amazing to see them all so absorbed in the fantastic art of Irish dancing. 

Monies raised at the feis went to the Jockey Club Sarah Roe School to help with getting a bus for the special needs children.  

Christy:  What do you envision for the future of Irish dance in Hong Kong?

Irish dancers at WIDA Worlds

Catriona:  To be able to teach such a diverse multi-cultural mix of children and adults and to watch them become so absorbed in the fantastic art of Irish Dancing, especially here in Hong Kong is a privilege. Under the wing of The St Patrick's Society Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Gaelic Football Club, the Irish Consulate/Irish Embassy, the Celtic Connections Chamber Choir, and the Irish Chambers of Commerce, the Irish dancing school here in Hong Kong is going from strength to strength and is thriving. We are looking forward to what the future holds!

At Echoes of Erin, our main aims are to encourage and sustain pride, uphold tradition, inspire loyalty and school spirit, and strive to build friendships among all of our students. This to me is most important.

*All Photos: courtesy Echoes of Erin Irish Dance

Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com.

Tennessee Irish clan on their new TV series, Irish dance and family - VIDEO

Family: The Willis Clan, twelve Irish dancers

This week a new series "The Willis Clan"  premiered, on Great American Country, featuring the family of 12 kids, aged from two to 21 years, from Tennessee. All of whom are Irish dancers.

Many of the Willis kids are Oireachtas champions and Jeremiah (20) has placed sixth at All Irelands and seventh at Worlds. In 2013, the clan competed in the drama division at the World Championships, placing fourth.

The new series, which runs Thursdays at 8pm, ET, features the day to day goings on in the Willis family as they prepare for the many musical and dance performances that are propelling their family band into a career.

The Willis family is busy getting ready for the premier, but I was able to chat with the two oldest children, Jessica and Jeremiah, about Irish dance, family, and what the future holds for them.

At 21 years old, Jessica is the main singer/songwriter in the family band. She plays piano, violin, and sings, and has written over 200 pieces of music. She has also enjoyed exploring various creative outlets including poetry, novels, costume design, and other visual arts.

Starting off in Irish step dancing, she is now pursuing a wide education in all areas of dance including ballroom, west coast swing, and flamenco.  Jessica has been called one of the last true romantics.

Jeremiah (20) one of the best Irish dancers in the Willis Clan

Jeremiah, commonly called Jair for short, is 20 years old, and plays the acoustic, nylon and electric guitar, cello, uilleann pipes, whistles, flute, mandolin, banjo, and piano.

Jair is a three-time champion in west coast swing and a three-time place winner in the World Championships of Irish dance.  He also is a Tennessee state champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Christy:  What is it like living in a family that puts so much emphasis on performance?

Jessica:  A lot of hard work and a whole lot of fun!

We get to travel, meet wonderful people, learn new things and enjoy a very full life. Since we perform so many different styles of music and dance we are able to take elements from all these genres and create a style that is our own unique fusion. The question is, what is coming next?

The Willis Clan is looking to fuse elements of all these influences to create a new generation of music and dance that has Irish at its base and will continue in the great tradition of "Riverdance" that has allowed Irish music and dance to become mainstream worldwide. Irish dancers and musicians should follow The Willis Clan particularly if they study multiple styles as there may be opportunities to be a part of this amazing future.

Christy:  How did you get involved in Irish dancing?

Jair:  Our dad grew up in a family of nine kids, mostly boys, and they all wrestled. My mom and dad decided before they got married that they wanted 12 kids and my dad assumed that they would have 12 sons and he would teach them all to wrestle.

However, he got eight daughters. His thought was, "What in the world do you do with daughters?"  Then my parents saw "Riverdance" and knew what to do with all those girls - Irish dancing!

As it turned out, the boys were all really talented dancers, too. They started the three oldest kids with Julie Showalter at the World Academy of Irish Dancing in Chicago.

Jessica the eldest of the Willis children and
one of eight girls

Christy:  Tell me a bit about your experiences with Irish dancing - where have you performed, do you compete, what school do you attend?

Jessica:  We have performed all over the US and in Ireland. We had the opportunity last year to perform at the O2 arena in Dublin, Ireland, opening for Brad Paisley and The Band Perry. We competed in Irish dance when we were younger, but injuries prevented us from continuing. Jair, Jenny, Jack and Jedi are all Oireachtas champions and Jair placed sixth at All Irelands and seventh at Worlds several years back. We did compete with the Kristin Butke School (Nashville) at the World Championships this year in the drama division.

One of the most beautiful things about Irish culture is the older generation passing the music, dance, stories, history and tradition down to the young people. Sometimes competitive Irish dancers miss this part. If you have never gone to a pub in Ireland during a session and spontaneously got up and danced because you were moved by the music, you have missed what Irish dance is all about.

Christy:  What is it like to have siblings who also Irish dance? Are you ever in the same classes together?

Jair:  Having brothers and sisters to dance with allows us to do so much. Creating choreographies and dancing together takes it to a whole new level. We have our own Riverdance! We have been in classes together and it works out great. We can help each other and encourage each other and then work on it at home.

Christy:  Will we see you Irish dancing on the new show for Great American Country?

Jair:  Absolutely! The cameras followed us to the World Championships in Boston where we competed in the drama division. I think there is a whole episode devoted to it. They filmed the behind the scenes work such as costume making, rehearsals, set design—even some of the set backs and disasters.

Christy:  Do any of you plan to pursue careers in Irish dance performance or teaching?

Jessica:  We are all pursuing careers in music and dancing, but not just Irish. Riverdance introduced us to dance—all styles of dance. We all teach our younger siblings. Since we are on the road quite a bit we can't attend regular classes, so the younger kids in our family have to learn from the older ones.

The Willis Clan family band

Jair is the most talented dancer in our family. He is one of the few young men in the dance world that has incredible star power, and is multi-talented, like Michael Flatley. Jair definitely plans to base his career around dance and music, and with the help of his brothers and sisters, hopes to create a world-class brand of Willis Clan entertainment.


Christy:  Do you have any fun or comical stories about Irish dancing together?

Jair:  We got into swing dance because we did an Irish dance exhibition at a swing dance event and fell in love with that style. There is a cabaret division in swing dance competitions so when we started competing in swing, we always entered an Irish choreography in the cabaret division. One competition had a crazy competition where you put together a spontaneous group, and in 3 days choreographed a number to perform. We took about 15 swing dancers and did a number from Riverdance. In 3 days we taught them how to Irish dance, made costumes and put on a great show, brought the house down - and won the competition. Never had more fun!

Christy:  What advice can you give to a beginning Irish dancer?

Jessica and Jair:  Embrace the whole culture - the music, dance, history, and the older generation. Listen to all the great Irish bands, and learn to play an Irish instrument. Even if you don't become an Irish musician, play some kind of drum so you become really good at rhythm. If you ever get a chance to take a class with Colin Dunne - do it!  He will take your dancing to a whole new level. Baby your feet and try to avoid injuries.

Some parting thoughts from Jair:

One of our family goals in Irish dance and music is to bring back the social element. Live music with social ceili dancing is so much fun and very few competitive Irish dancers ever get the chance to do it. Last year our band played at the North American Irish Dance Championships in Chicago each evening before awards. It created such a fun atmosphere that dancers spontaneously got up on stage and started dancing. There were probably close to 100 dancers on stage at once. We hope to inspire Irish dance events to include social dancing opportunities for all the competitors and their families. Dancing should always be about meeting other people and having fun!


The Willis Clan Dance Drama at World Irish Dance 2013:


The Willis Clan premieres June 27 at 8p/7c on Great American Country (GAC).

All photos courtesy of Great American Country channel.

Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com.

Irish dance diet - Summer is the perfect time to be healthy

Summer fruits
Photo: Flickr/Mrs. Magic

If you are paying attention to my Irish dance diet, you may have noticed how slowly the weight is coming off. I am not discouraged though, because I've been converting fat to muscle. Go me! I'm getting so close to my goal and you know what that means? A solo dress! My oldest son (who is also in my Irish dance class) says that he can't imagine me in a solo dress. That's ok, buddy, I can!

Month: 7
Weight: 142.5
Weight lost: 12.5 pounds
Muscle gained: 12.17
Total fat loss: 24.67

Here are three ways that the warmer months can help you with your healthy lifestyle:

1-Summer is a great time to get in good shape. 

It is easier to exercise in the summer because the weather is nice and we are 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 yourself 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!

2-Summer fruit is such a luxury and can feel like a treat to the dieting you.  

Strawberries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, apples and cherries!  Is your mouth watering yet? You do  much better on your healthy eating lifestyle if you feel satisfied, and fruit can help you fill that void.

3-Summer-wear can motivate you to keep on target. 

You want to fit into your swimming suits when summertime comes around, not to mention those cute workout shorts that help you cool off while you are working out. Use those goals as an incentive to motivate yourself to stick to the routine and nutrition that helps you look and feel your best. 

How does summertime motivate you to take better care of yourself?

Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com. 

Irish dance school in Utah hosts the first WIDA open Irish dance competition in North America - PHOTOS

Irish dancers enjoying themselves at the first WIDA open feis in North America. 

                                Photo:  Sharon Summerhays

On May 18, 2013, Irish dance schools in the Western United States came together for the first WIDA (World Irish Dance Association) competition in the United States. 

WIDA is a fairly new Irish dance organization, based out of Europe, and focuses on organizing workshops, competitions, and examinations to help promote interest in Irish dancing, language, music, and culture. In recent years, schools involved with WIDA have popped up in North and South America. The Utah Legacy Open Feis is the first competition to be held in the United States. 

Roisin Robson, TCRG, with members of the Tir Ruaidh Irish Dance Company
Photo: courtesy of Roisin Robson

The open feis, held in Syracuse, Utah, was hosted by the Legacy Irish Dance Company. An open feis encourages Irish dancers from any organization to attend. Victoria Lambourne, TCRG (certified Irish dance instructor) at Legacy Irish Dance Company is amazed at how smoothly the event pulled together. Lambourne says, "The competitors were extremely supportive and encouraging of each other which lead to a positive, relaxed, yet competitive feis atmosphere."

Victoria Lambourne, TCRG with members of the
Legacy Irish Dance Company
Photo: Christy Dorrity

Lambourne recently attended the WIDA World Championships as an adjudicator in April of this year. Her perspective on teaching, coaching and dancing changed after attending this international event. "My whole perspective on the dancing completely changed after judging, especially such a huge event with such talented dancers," Lambourne says. "It gave me a greater, more in depth appreciation for the dancing."

When the Legacy Irish Dance Company joined WIDA in 2012, they began making plans for hosting a competition near them with the help of Tir Ruaidh Irish Dance Company in California. Soon, a date was set. Girls came by the busload to compete at the pioneering event. Parents and students all agree that the feis was a very positive, calm and fun event. 

An Irish dancer proudly displays her ribbon
at the Utah Legacy Open Feis 2013
Photo:  Christy Dorrity 

Solos in all age groups were held at the Utah Legacy Open Feis, including a Jump 2, 3 competition for toddlers, and Championships for older ages. Adults were thrilled to be included in the competition according to the level of their ability. Premierships by age level, and a treble reel competition motivated the Irish dancers to do their best. 

In thinking about the future of Irish dance in the United States, Lambourne hopes that many of her students will go on to open schools in the future. "I would also love for the surrounding schools to be more involved with each other,"says Lambourne. "We can be more unified, regardless of what organization, to help promote the dancing that we all love."

Plans are already in place for hosting the Utah Legacy Open Feis next year, and the Tir Ruaidh Irish Dance Company will be hosting a competition in October, 2013.

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Readers: Are you an adult Irish dancer or a dance school, 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 visit www.christydorrity.com.