What Irish step dancing means to me

A prize-winning essay by 12-year-old Kristin Normoyle

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The first place essay from the Orange County Feis 2009 essay competition, "What Irish Dancing Means To Me," was written by 12-year-old Irish dancer with the Sheahan-Gormley School, Kristin Normoyle of Orange County, New York. Normoyle told IrishCentral: "I have two passions: writing and Irish dancing.  When I found out that I had won first place with an essay about Irish dancing, it felt twice as awesome.” 

Here’s her prize-winning piece:

“What Irish Step Dancing Means To Me”

Irish Step Dancing is a type of performance originating in Ireland.

I think this is too small of a definition for something that has had the biggest impact of my life. Most people think that Irish dancing is all sparkly dresses and big, fancy trophies. But the passion and effort that goes behind step dancing is astonishing. Several days a week girls and boys are running to classes to perfect their steps for the next big competition, or feis. Dedication is very important. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears take place during a practice. 

While parents are trying to get the wig and makeup ready for the big feis and dance instructors are pulling their hair out for the students to do a step the correct way, something is happening to the dancer. Something that can’t be explained with words, something bigger then words. A feeling is running through the dancer’s veins, racing through their heart and soul, finally making the last stop at the dancer’s feet. This feeling is a passion, a love. Something that true dancers feel every time they are in front of a judge, dance instructor, or even a mirror. A love for the dance and a love for the sport is one of the greatest feelings someone can have. This is the only way I know how to describe it. 

When I was little, I was going to do what many other little girls do at that age. I was going to sign up for ballet. It was the cool thing to do. The morning before the sign up there was an Irish festival at which my dad’s pipes and drums band was asked to perform.   As usual, my mother and I tagged along to support him. Following their performance was something I had never seen before.       

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