"StepDance" is a captivating new show by Teelin Irish Dance Company that fuses traditional and contemporary Irish dance with heart-pounding rhythms, innovative choreography and cutting-edge artistry.  Leave your expectations behind and step across the threshold to a place where old customs are ignited with a modern flare.

The Teelin Irish Dance Company, based in  Columbia, Maryland, has a reputation for enthralling audience members with performances that accentuate the high energy of Irish dance.  Guest artists span the diversity from traditional musicians and slam poets to beat-boxers and ballerinas, creating a show to remember.  “StepDance” is a new show following six successful years of Teelin Irish Dance Company’s acclaimed production, “Portraits of Ireland”.

Teelin Irish Dance Company’s Director, Maureen (Berry) Gately, TCRG, has extensive training in several dance styles.  Her background in modern dance, ballet, tap, jazz, and Appalachian clogging enhances her master of traditional Irish step dancing.

Growing up within the highly-competitive mid-Atlantic region, Gately became a champion Irish dancer at a young age, ultimately competing at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Dublin, Ireland.  Musically-inclined, Gately learned to play the button accordion from her father, also competing at the All-Ireland Championships for music.

Gately’s experience as a competitive and professional dance performer and musician inspired her to explore creative choreography, and elicits a passion for performing in her dancers.  In 2009, the Maryland State Arts Council awarded Gately the Individual Artist Award for Dance Choreography.

Nearly sold-out, the premiere matinee of “StepDance” will be presented on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland.  Tickets are available through the box office. 

Purchase tickets on-line (www.teelin.com/SHOW/tickets.html) with seating selection, or call (301) 600-2828.

For more information, including a video bite of Teelin Irish Dance Company, click here.

Here's the promo for the show: