Dance Forever

Language of music

As you may or may not know, Irish Dance is a huge part of our lives; our goal is to be involved, part of our grand-daughters' lives.  Lily and Clara have been taking lessons for years, participating in wild Irish dance competitions, known as a Fe'is (fesh).

When our girls were only five, they wore the school uniform for beginning dancers, a white blouse and blue kilt. Most of the time white blouses were partially tucked in and kilt sagged down beneath child tummies.

So proud, they were so proud and so eager.  Little girls were lined up, feet almost in the right position.  Clara picked her nose a few times and Lily sent a smile that lit up our world. There was always a red head giggling and pinching girls next to her.

Now, years later--maybe six years later--each stands with feet "turned out", posture straight and hands tucked it.  White blouse and blue kilt have evolved through an official school uniform ($350) for novice dancers, with hard shoes (same price).

Then their costumes became elegant, enough for a princess.  Some uniforms became hideous in day-glow colors.  But OUR girls has a mother who can sew up a storm.

Lily still glows with her smile, now with braces.  Clara no longer picks her nose while in line, and believe me, we watch for that.

It is an amazing experience to be surrounded by talented dancers and Irish music. Other little girls evolved as well, into Champion dancers. Those young ladies fly through the air, truly fly.  Long legs make impossibly high kicks, while long hair follows music and dance.

What happens after High School, after most dancers leave to pursue careers somewhere, doing something? Will they still dance?  Will they teach other little children in blue and white?

Without us all knowing, these talented dancers now teach school or are doctors.  But, Irish dance is never packed away in a closet, forgotten.

From YouTube entitled "UPS Driver gets jiggy after receiving a gift.

Where did he study dance?  When did he study dance? He remembers the steps and such!

Here is another example.  In Ireland at a wedding reception, clearing the floor for dancing takes on new meaning.  

Groom and his guests (all ages) dance.  Obviously there's a ringer.

Other young adults join a dance team, and appear at Dublin Airport.

A flash mob in Dublin Airport from a dance troupe, "Take the Floor."

Feet never forget, legs perform the impossible, and a doctor becomes a dancer once again. We hope this for Lily and Clara.