Unateresa's Eye on Irish Dance
by Unateresa Sheahan GormleyRSS 
Recent Posts
- Paige Ann Turilli heading to Dublin Irish Dance World Championship 2011
- Those Dancin' Feet : Fidget Feet's Irish Aerial Dance Fest in Letterkenny Co. Donegal
- A sneak preview of Michael Londra's "Beyond Celtic" - VIDEO
- Call for applications - Roses, escorts, junior roses and rose buds for the Big Apple Rose of Tralee
- St Patricks Day 2011 Flashmob. Central Station, Sydney, Australia
Archives
Paige Ann Turilli heading to Dublin Irish Dance World Championship 2011
It was a great pleasure interviewing Paige Ann Turilli, and her humble father Steven Turilli ( the backbone and dedicated force) behind this true Champion Of Champions. I was lucky enough to be in attendance at the World Championship in Glasgow when Paige Ann won World Champion 2010 and the excitement and the electricity in the hall was phenomenal.
Paige Ann is a very inspirational and wonderful young lady and I consider myself very, very lucky to know her. Of course as a fellow New Yorker we were all very proud of Paige Ann, Julia O'Rourke from the Petri School, NY and all the Americans that took home the gold. Paige Ann's dedication, discipline, passion and accomplishment of all her Major Championships in 2010 is commendable.
Those Dancin' Feet : Fidget Feet's Irish Aerial Dance Fest in Letterkenny Co. Donegal
Irish company Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre present the only aerial dance production of this year’s Dance Base programme, and their thrilling show promises to sweep you off your feet.
Aerial dance – a blend of dance and circus - has been practiced since the early 1970s but has recently reached an elevated status - in the public's consciousness. It has always been an elevated art form, involving dancing suspended from ropes and harnesses.
Founded in 2000, Fidget Feet also perform outdoor work and recently they presented a show in Edinburgh.
A sneak preview of Michael Londra's "Beyond Celtic" - VIDEO
Michael Londra, the lead singer from "Riverdance", launches into his brand new National PBS Concert Special, accompanied by the world's best in Celtic musicians, including the sensational sister duo Sephira, the legendary Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, and phenomenal Celtic dancers. Filmed in the Historic California Theatre, this concert special is truly "Beyond Celtic".
Michael Londra is from the opera capital of Ireland, a small town on the South East coast called Wexford. He decided in the early 90s to follow his heart and started singing professionally. His leap of faith was rewarded when he soon became a leading man in musical theater in Dublin playing many roles. US director and choreographer, Larry Fuller asked Michael to play Bobby Kennedy in the world premier of "JFK" where he was noticed by the producers of Riverdance.
He was offered the role of lead singer in the US National Tour which included performances at Radio City Music Hall and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In March 2000, Michael again was offered the position of lead singer in the new production of Riverdance on Broadway, taking the role from acclaimed Irish singer Brian Kennedy. This was the platform from which Michael's recording and producing career began.
An Evening of Music and Dance Celebrating the Story of Immigration of Celtic People in New York City, Saturday, January 29th, 2011
Relive the magic or see what you missed,
For the dancer - A dedication and memorial to those we have loved and lost in 2010
2010, was a great year, we struggled through the tough times with the economy and everything that life has to offer, and we made the best of it!!! We are a strong people and we are a strong country so we will get through this.
I haven’t posted anything in a while because life through a curve that was very sad and hard to understand. A very close family friend’s grandson Brian Fallon, 13 died from a brain aneurysm on Christmas Eve and buried on New Years Eve.
Christmas After the Loss of a Child
Irish Dancing World Champions Mind Coach - tools for life
From the bright lights of New York to the arid desert of Las Vegas, West Belfast native Sean Connolly is a man in demand across America.
The 43-year-old, a specialist in maximum performance enhancement and confidence building, has been utilized by Irish dancing and sports troupes the length and breadth of the US and Canada.
Over the past five years the father of four has worked with some of the best dancers in the world Amateur and Professional, delivering incredible results in their personal performance in the process.
An Interview with Sean Connolly - Irish Dancing World Champions Mind Coach
His Biography, His Honesty And His Vision
Where did you grow up and what childhood memories do you treasure?
I grew up in West Belfast with my 2 brothers and one sister. My childhood memories to be honest are all happy, of course the troubles where in full motion but we thought that was normal and you just got on with life. Our house was on a bend which made our garden the biggest in the street and we spent a lot of time in that garden with our friends.
Read - Sing - Dance - SEE VIDEO
As Christmas is approaching and old and new traditions are celebrated, the Irish tradition of story telling and reading special Holiday stories are part of some great memories. My family always sat around the Christmas tree singing songs, my parents, Aunt and Uncle, were full of character telling us stories of Christmas in Ireland, all the children would entertain in song, music and dance….Great times….Great memories.
Michael Sheahan has produced his first StoryBook/CD/DVD. This classic new Christmas story brings families together in the ultimate reading, singing and dancing experience.
For millions of people around the world, the love of reading was born with a Christmas story. Who can forget the first time we read—or had read to us—Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or one of the other classic stories that bring the season magically alive? At the same time, who can forget the delight we feel while singing Christmas songs and watching holiday galas featuring wondrous dances?
Up & Over It a YouTube Sensation appear on the 'Rachael Ray Show' - SEE VIDEOS
Millions have seen their video on YouTube, now the "Hand Dancers", Up & Over It are bringing their act to Rach's kitchen table - literally!
Catch them on the "Rachael Ray Show" for a bit of brand new handograpahy - 'citing!
Fed up of the same old Irish Dance shtick? Bored of the velvet-clad, tin-whistling-blowing, diddly-idleness? Ever dreamed of a place where two seasoned professional Irish Dancers mix it up with electro-pop, nouveau folk and video?
Irish Dance Teachers of North America 2010 scholarship winners
The Irish Dance Teacher's Association of North American is proud of the accomplishments of all dancers not only competitively and artistically, but also academically. To recognize the accomplishments of these dancers who excel in the classroom and in the dance studio, the IDTANA is proud to offer $20,000 annually in scholarships for high school senior students, and those students who are already attending college. The Scholarship winners were announced this week at the North American Irish Dance Championships.
(a) for high school seniors graduating in Spring, 2011 and planning to attend a four-year undergraduate college or university, and
(b) for students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate college program who will still be enrolled as an undergraduate in a four-year undergraduate college or university during the 11-12 school year.
Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America
The Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) was born in March, 1964 when Mae Butler, Fedelmia Davis, Kevin McKenna, Peter Smith, Cyril McNiff and Anna O’Sullivan met at the Irish Institute in New York City. They came together with the goal of assuring teacher and adjudicator competency, as well as standardizing the ever growing number of feisanna throughout North America.
The surviving founders of the IDTANA: Anna O'Sullivan, Peter Smith, and Fidelmia Davis are still active members and were recently voted lifetime positions on the IDTANA Executive Board.
Since that small humble beginning, and through the efforts of many dedicated Irish Dance Teachers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, the IDTANA has grown now to nearly 650 members - with over 100 members in Canada, 550 members in the United States, and one member in Mexico. The IDTANA consists of seven regional branches: Mid Atlantic, Mid America, Western US, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, New England and Southern US.
'America's Got Talent' audition details revealed
NBC's “America's Got Talent” are the only show open to any age and any talent.
Auditions in New York City are next up. They also just opened up pre-registration in the other cities.
This is a great opportunity for our talented Irish dancers, musicians, singers and artist.
Superior skilled Irish dancers wanted
Busch Gardens Williamsburg auditions for dancers, singers, actors, technicians, stage managers, jugglers, magicians, variety artists, acrobats and costumers for live shows.
• Must be of Open Championship level preferably World Qualifier or equivalent standard.
• Previous show experience and/or a background in performing arts are highly sought.
• Please provide a full length photo and headshot.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must provide documents to verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
Resume Information:
Darrah Carr Dance - James Shipp's Nós Novo
Darrah Carr Dance returns to the Irish Arts Center stage with the world premiere of bold new choreography set to the remarkable sounds of James Shipp's Nós Novo - a fusion of Irish, Brazilian, and Jazz stylings. Together, these two highly innovative groups present a kaleidoscopic view of Irish dance and music that pushes the boundaries of these traditional forms. Additional highlights of the season include: a ModERIN Masterclass with the company; a post-show discussion with Artistic Director Darrah Carr and bandleader James Shipp; and a specially priced Family Show.
At first glance, Irish and modern dance seem worlds apart. Irish dancers, taught to maintain an upright posture and stick-straight arms, rarely find themselves practicingcontractions and tilts. However, if you catch Darrah Carr Dance's upcoming NYC season,you might see Irish dancers doing just that!
Carr bridges the gap between the two genres with her signature "ModERIN" style. Made up of dancers with a diverse array of backgrounds, the company performs everything from edgy ModERIN fusion pieces to traditional Irish duets.
New Zealand Irish Dancing Nationals 2010 - Results and Video
The Irish Dancing community in New Zealand is small but very dedicated with numerous World Championship medal holders and recallers who regularly make the journey across the ocean to Feisanna in Australia, America and Europe. Irish dancing has become popular worldwide and in New Zealand there has never been such a demand to learn the intricacies and skills of hornpipes, reels and jigs.
The New Zealand Irish dancing schools are of a very high standard with professional teachers bringing their pupils up to a standard where many can compete with confidence and distinction in the annual World Championships in Ireland.
Situated deep in the southern hemisphere, There are multifarious events with Irish connections and connotations held weekly, monthly and annually. Some are major happenings attracting hundreds of spectators and participants, others are small homely affairs where strange faces are few but nonetheless welcome.
Did you know? -
Sneak preview of 'Riverdance on Ice'
Performers from the show: John Grimes, Meghan Lucey, Jessie Baffa, Bobbie Ann Boeing, Jillian Farmer Tammany, Scott Doherty, Kevin Horton, Laura Yanez, Caterina Coyne, Marcus Maloney, Ryan McCarthy, Chloey Turner, Melissa Convery, Brian Mullane, Alana Mallon
"Riverdance on Ice"combines the music, rhythm and artistry of "Riverdance" with the grace and athleticism of ice-skating. This new twist to the popular show brings together world class figure skaters and world champion Irish step dancers.
"Riverdance on Ice" was performed for night only at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.
National Dance Day Events Near You
National Dance Day Events Near You
Get out there and DANCE!
National Dance Day! "TODAY" Have you made your dance plans yet? If you’re still looking for a way to get involved, have no fear.
Here is a list of some of the organized events taking place nationwide on Saturday, July 31st:
Blackpool pier army ambush
Sneaky steppers at it again, this time in Blackpool with some public dancing shenanigans on the pier! Enjoy..
World Cup: Sneak The Future
Sneaky Steppers Thank you for all your great comments on (World Cup: Sneak the Future) We have entered it into a competition on dancemedia.com for Video of the month. You have to register to vote but its pretty easy.. http://www.dancemedia.com/events/dance-magazine-video-of-the-month-july-2010 Thanks for supporting us!
dancemedia.com
www.dancemedia.com
Highlighting the success of Irish Dancing
In the next couple of weeks I will be posting video's, pictures, results and interviews with some of the World Champions across the Globe. I hope you will come visit and give us some of your comments and good wishes for all the hard work and dedication of all the dancers, their teachers coaches and their family and friends that helped them make it to the top.
World champioships Irish dancing Glasgow 2010 Best dancer
Hi, Hope you enjoy this little guy the Future World champion taking the Stage
2nd annual Big Apple Feis crowns Irish dance champions
The second annual Big Apple Feis hosted over 1,000 Irish dancers, musicians, teachers, adjudicators, family and friends at The Hilton New York this past weekend. The March 13 Gala Ball honored Paul F. Thiele, Mark Howard and George C. Heslin in the hotel's Mercury Ballroom. The Gala was chaired by Unateresa Gormley, T.C.R.G., the Founder of The Big Apple Feis Performing Arts Presenters; Gerard Carson, T.C.R.G.; and Loretta Thiele, whose husband Paul F. Thiele was a big supporter of Irish cultural organizations and events throughout his lifetime. Several scholarships were awarded to winners in the Irish dance competitions in his memory.
Despite Friday's rainy weather and difficulty with transportation, crowds gathered for a fun and highly entertaining evening to cheer on entrants in the first Big Apple Irish Idol Competition and the first Big Apple Irish Bachelor & Bachelorette of the Year Competition. Judged by Actor Sean Maguire (Meet the Spartans), Loretta Thiele and Erin Kennedy, T.C.R.G., it was a unanimous winner for the Big Apple Irish Idol: Norah Tyburczy. Norah went on to give an encore performance at the Saturday night Gala. The brother and sister duo, Michael Josephson and Sheila Josephson were crowned Big Apple Irish Bachelor and Bachelorette, respectively. Competing against over a dozen bachelors from the tri-state area and even Georgia, Canada and Sweden, Michael captured the attention of both the judges and the audience with his personality and charm.
Saturday night's Big Apple Feis Gala opened with an excerpt from a play from the Origin Theatre Company's Artistic Director George C. Heslin entitled Great White American Teeth, performed by Fiona Walsh, who had the crowd laughing from beginning to end. Ann Design graciously and comically served as the evening's impromptu emcee. The play was followed by performances by dancers Kelly Dalton and Daniel Ferhenbach of The Trinity Academy of Irish Dance; Grainne Murphy on the fiddle, and Anna Colliton on the bodhran. Music during the dinner dance was provided by the all-female Irish traditional band Girsa (
Irish dancers: Author Brenna Briggs is coming to town!
With her toe-tapping tales, author Brenna Briggs is coming to New York! She's got the perfect series of adventures for Irish dancers, inside the quirky world of 13-year-old Irish dancer and girl detective Liffy Rivers.
Briggs is the author of the "Liffey Rivers Irish Dancer Mysteries," which The Irish World in London has compared to Enid Blyton's adventure series, "if you throw in a lot more reels and hornpipes."
Briggs was born in Pittsburgh, PA into an Irish American family where she thought cookies with green icing on Saint Patrick's Day was the best thing about being Irish.
My next Irish dance mission: Big Apple Feis II
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