Live, Love, and Irish Dance!

March is a fantastic month for Irish culture! Recently, in a survey from WalletHub, Chicago was voted the #1 city in which to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. As a proud Irish dance family, I wanted to share a perspective which is more intimate than the well-known parades and parties. For the many Irish dance schools in and around Chicago this month is about bringing joy to others.

Recently, my daughters' dance school, Hogan Irish Dance Academy, performed at an assisted living home. As the audience began filing into the performance room, one gentleman in the center of the front row called me over.

"I've got a question for you," he said, looking at the gaggle of girls with curly hair, "Where are the men?"

I looked at young ladies hurrying around, with hair bows and smiles shining. "We do have some boys!" I replied. "Would you like to meet one?" The gentleman looked surprised and replied "Sure!"

I went "back stage" (into the hallway) and asked a young lad's mom if he would be able to come meet a fan in the front row. She kindly agreed, and shyly the dancer followed me out.

The older man smiled broadly, and formally shook our dancer's hand: "Very nice to meet you," he said. They wished each other Happy St. Patrick's Day and then it was time to head back before the show music started. As I looked over my shoulder I saw the older gentleman with bright tears in his eyes, and a look of great joy on his face.

Since he had obviously been very moved by the greeting, I went back to chat with him some more.

"Are you Irish?" I asked. His chest lifted with pride; "I am!"

"Did you dance?" I inquired. He laughed; "not like that. But I watched Riverdance. I own a copy. It's so wonderful. I watch it often." Clearly, he deeply loved Irish dance as an art form and the link it provided to his heritage. His expression was a reminder to me of the true reason for our school's performances.

Irish dancers - from the youngest "little leapers" to the most experienced soloists - put on a rousing show. Audiences cheer generously, encouraging shy tiny lasses who clutch their older mentor's hands. Fans vigorously clap along as older girls wearing sparkly solo dresses thunder in their hard shoes.

After many shows, audience members have come up and talked at length about their own happy memories involving Irish culture, including music and dancing. We often hear comments about how dear it is for children and families to retain a part of their heritage through dance.

One particular privilege is when dancers are able to bring their show to new places. There are few shows more meaningful than when an audience is experiencing one of their first live Irish dance performances. The "ooohs" and "ahhs" let our dancers know they have been able to make the day brighter.

I wanted to share this story highlighting the moments of pure joy we have been honored to experience through the art of Irish dance. Happy St. Patrick's Day!