Titanic-themed Irish dance competition in Massachusetts

Posted on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 06:17 AM

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Makaisha Gonzalez of the Flying Irish dressed as the Titanic, winning the costume reel.
The ship even had a gash in the other side!
Photo: John Mulhall

On April 14, 2012, an RMS Titanic-themed Irish dance competition honored the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking and devastating loss of more than 1,500 souls on April 14, 1912. The Flying Irish Dance School hosted the open platform feis at Coco Keys Water Resort in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and dancers and teachers enjoyed a full day of fun and entertainment as well as competitive Irish dance events.

The Flying Irish Dancers performing the "waves" movement in the Glencar Reel.
Tatiana O'Hanlon, Makaisha Gonzalez, Jessica Taylor, Jordyn Babin, Bridie MacLean and Alexcis MahoneyPhoto: John Mulhall.

Group dance competitions included two-hand up to eight-hand reels, two freestyle events and a special costume reel which awarded prizes for best junior costume, best senior costume and best combined costume and dance. A separate hat contest which benefited the American Red Cross, and a trivia contest and raffle added to the fun and prize opportunities - including mini Titanic ships - for feis-goers, even those who don't Irish dance!

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Read more:

World Irish Dancing Championships photos from Belfast

New Sonar images of Titanic on ocean floor

Competitive adult Irish dancer Julia Barrington from Canada
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Kelly School winners Catherine Cronin and Julia Ottaviani congratulate each other
while Shelby Gaiss of the Mulkerin School, CT looks on.
Photo: Julie Cronin.

Mary-Sarah O'Hanlon, artistic director and owner of the Flying Irish Dance School and the Flying Irish Dance Company was thrilled with the turnout and said the event was a success, saying, "Congratulations to all the dancers! The costume reel was particularly stupendous! A huge thank you to all the parent volunteers!"

O'Hanlon also thanked Mark Marshall for entering the three judges' scores, and judges Kate O'Brien and Susan Daly Stanek.

The Kelly School of Irish Dance, Rhode Island performs a freestyle routine.
Photo: Julie Cronin.

The Flying Irish Dance School is affiliated with the North American Irish Dance Federation, and also hosts an open platform Irish dance competition every fall. This year's event will be September 2, 2012. For more information, visit them on Facebook or see the school's website.

Check back here for news, results, photos, interviews and more! Help us celebrate Irish dancing by sharing this story with your friends, like us on FaceBook, Tweet the link or start a conversation with a comment in the message box below. THANK YOU!

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OverTheBridge | May 02, 2012, 09:26 AM EDT

The costume reel looks really cute- love the costumes! I think this is the best way to remember a tragic event; by having fun with your family and being grateful for your family, friends, and feiseanna!

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DrTrelawney | Apr 25, 2012, 01:38 PM EDT

Well, that's in good taste. I wonder if, in 100 years time, the Irish dancers will be dressed as the World Trade Centre.

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