Dancing up a storm, Americans compete in Dublin

41st World Irish Dance Championships kick off in style

AOIFE FINNERAN,

IrishCentral.com Writer

Published Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 7:28 PM

Updated Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 7:28 PM

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Maggie Schutte, age 11, from Evergreen, Colorado.

Kerri’s achievement in qualifying for the World Championships also provided the perfect opportunity for the young girl to meet her Irish cousins in Omagh, all of whom did Irish dancing when they were younger.

The talented dancer explained: “I used to pretend I could do Irish dancing when I was little so when I got the chance I really wanted to learn. I think my favourite dance is the slip jig."

Kerri was also joined in Dublin by her teacher Christina Ryan-Kilcoyne from County Clare. Christina, who grew up in Milltown-Malbay, moved to Philadelphia 21 years ago and set up an Irish dance school there. Today she was back in Dublin to watch five of her pupils competing in the World Championships.

And despite living for so many years in the USA, the proud Clare woman still hasn’t lost her Irish accent.

“If I lost it, I’d be killed!” she laughed.

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DebbieP | Apr 18, 2011, 10:53 PM EDT

Its great Kerri is my neice, I;m proud of her.

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GeorgeDillon | Apr 18, 2011, 02:56 PM EDT

siobhan39: Don't be so narrow-minded. Most of the girls (and their moms) love those wigs. You're probably Irish-- the Irish sneer at Irish dance and music.

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phoenixnurse | Apr 17, 2011, 05:41 PM EDT

What an amazing little story.. Maggie is a "Darling" and I hope she wins big time! Yes, she is a natural little beauty too and I like her natural hair style! They all look so elegant in their beautiful outfits and work hard at making it to the World championships..I am sure it's hard to pick winners! Lot of sacrifuce for student and the parents.

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Siobhan39 | Apr 17, 2011, 02:43 PM EDT

It's nice to see a dancer without a curley wig. I can't believe that curley wigs are original to Irish dance.

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Siobhan39 | Apr 17, 2011, 12:47 PM EDT

Did you notice that pretty little Maggie has her hair tied up in a bun. I love it. It is so much more natural than those silly bouncy wigs the dancers wear.

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PhlutiePhan | Apr 17, 2011, 12:12 PM EDT

As someone who is caught up in the "Riverdance" phenomenon, there is something about the cultural aspect. The show "Riverdance" praises other cultures as well such as Russian, Spanish, and African-American and their links to dance. In an American culture which is steadily becoming anti-culture in the name of world socialism, it is nice to see especially with links to religion which upsets American secularism.

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pugsmom | Apr 17, 2011, 10:28 AM EDT

These dancers can be counted amongst ANY of the world's finest athletes, but with the beauty of the dance added! Good luck. little Maggie!

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Cuanmara | Apr 17, 2011, 10:12 AM EDT

If there's anything that sets apart Irish culture its the step dancing. Such discipline and synchronization when groups are performing together. Beautiful!

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