tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87474150892356650522024-03-17T23:04:02.035-04:00On My ToesA former championship Irish dancer coming out of dancing retirement at age 25 & embarking on a journey to the TCRG exam.Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-76145542977877199152013-04-22T15:06:00.000-04:002013-04-22T15:38:50.025-04:00Wrapping Boston & Jane in Our Love<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKZlzNq7u4rvIeINvr5k2LT_GPnyLoEnyyR3Ak6bHwWgwak7FNt7KJoluPAs47wPqCzjRct28KOptBK_dG_h8L0B6nLS5ro2jAjAX8kB_w6XoU66H314qKjjbMA384I3xQV4zZgX6anA/s1600/boston+strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKZlzNq7u4rvIeINvr5k2LT_GPnyLoEnyyR3Ak6bHwWgwak7FNt7KJoluPAs47wPqCzjRct28KOptBK_dG_h8L0B6nLS5ro2jAjAX8kB_w6XoU66H314qKjjbMA384I3xQV4zZgX6anA/s400/boston+strong.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>{Photo from the Clifden Academy Facebook page}</i></span></td></tr>
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One week ago, the world watched in horror as bombs went off at the finish line of the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. Almost immediately upon learning of the loss of 8-year-old Martin Richard, and critical injuries sustained by his mother and 6-year-old sister Jane, Irish dancers worldwide banded together in support of one of our own. One week later, what can we do to help the Richard family and other victims of this senseless crime?<br />
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<b><u>Wrapping Jane in Our Love </u></b></div>
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Irish dancer Bree Johnson and her mother Trish {of the <a href="http://glencastleirishdancers.com/">Glencastle Irish Dancer</a>s} began this facebook group to support Jane. The pair were inspired to donate a quilt to Jane, a beginning Irish dancer at the <a href="http://clifdenacademy.com/">Clifden Academy</a>, to comfort her and show how much the Irish dancing community loves and supports her. They have gathered over 400 T-shirts from Irish dance schools across the country and world. These shirts will be sewn into quilts and donated to Jane. Even Michael Flately {the Lord of the Dance himself} has offered his support to this project, saying "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">T-shirts will be on the way early next week from Michael and the Lord of the Dance Troupe currently touring Russia. Jane and her family are in our thoughts and prayers." </span></span><br />
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If you would like to donate a T-shirt, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wrapping-Jane-in-Our-Love/477212572350202?fref=ts">Wrapping Jane in Our Love on facebook</a> for more information. Monetary donations are also appreciated. As a quilter myself, I can only imagine the amount of threads, fabrics, and supplies Trish and Bree will require for this massive project.<br />
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<u><b>Red Sox for Jane</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPGcXVs54ZQvnAdczjoz-lRAtUhA3_7BXE22Zd-V0EUmcARE1j7a114qpOaRgJHf6c4CoDwlOl0clnC7Exgx3CJQm3s6xWN_Y4A5QdIm7sChL1lrwx4PG7XuKistEKi1NYtXVdOj9pHw/s1600/red+soxs+for+jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPGcXVs54ZQvnAdczjoz-lRAtUhA3_7BXE22Zd-V0EUmcARE1j7a114qpOaRgJHf6c4CoDwlOl0clnC7Exgx3CJQm3s6xWN_Y4A5QdIm7sChL1lrwx4PG7XuKistEKi1NYtXVdOj9pHw/s320/red+soxs+for+jane.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Another Irish dance family was inspired to support Jane and the victims of the bombings by collecting poodle socks. Irish dancers can mail their new or used {and clean} poodle socks, to be dyed red by dancers and sold as a fundraiser. Profits will be donated to the victims fund. More information can be found on the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RedSoxsForJane"> Red Sox for Jane facebook page.</a></div>
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<b><u>Donations to the Richard Family</u></b></div>
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According to the Richard family's pastor, the family is asking for prayers and privacy during this difficult time. Fr. Sean M. Connor of Saint Ann Parish Neponset in Dorchester, Massachusetts made several suggestions to support the Richard family in a letter on the <a href="http://www.saintannneponset.com/Pages/default.aspx">parish's website</a>. If you are in the Boston area, consider donating blood to <a href="https://www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org/index.cfm">Children's Hospital Boston through their "Pints for Half-Pints" program</a>. If you're unable to donate blood, consider donating toys, books, stuffed animals, or other items to Children's Hospital Boston. More information for donation of items can be found <a href="http://childrenshospital.org/patientsfamilies/Site1393/mainpageS1393P50.html">{here}</a>.<br />
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<b>Many Irish dancers and schools have organized dance-outs to raise funds and support for Jane, the Richard family, and Boston. </b>Are you one of those dancers? What have you done to show your love and support for these victims?<b> Let's hear what else Irish dancers are doing to show their compassion in the aftermath of this tragedy. </b></div>
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira </div>
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-86919454265458200282013-04-01T00:02:00.004-04:002013-04-01T14:08:57.224-04:00Back to Boston <b>Congratulations to everyone who danced at Worlds this past week!</b>
Hope everyone had an amazing time in Boston... know I did! From the dancing to the sightseeing, it was a week to remember :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlin, myself, Laura, & Danielle at Faneuil Hall </td></tr>
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<b>APRIL FOOLS! </b></div>
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Sadly, I couldn't make it to Boston for Worlds this year... but I was in Boston for the <a href="http://www.nationals2013.com/">North American Irish Dancing Championships</a> back in 2002, my very first NANs! Boston holds so many amazing Irish dance memories for me, from NANS 2002 to several fabulous summers at <a href="http://www.bc.edu/centers/irish/gaelicroots/">Boston College's Gaelic Roots</a> summer program.<br />
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Still one of my favorite hoodies!</div>
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Can you tell these pictures are from nearly 13 years ago? I haven't rocked jorts and a cami in public in quite some time. Or puka shells for that matter. [<i>Boy</i>, <i>do I feel old</i>.] However, my super-tan legs have 2013 World Championships of Irish Dance written all over them!<br />
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Our poodle socks were taller and our crowns had less crystals, but it seems like just yesterday we were side-stage for a major in Boston. Times & styles have certainly changed, but I hope everyone in Boston this past week had just as much fun as I did with my friends from the Drake & Butler Schools of Irish dance.<br />
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Were you in Boston?! This year? Happy April Fools!<br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
Moira<br />
<br />Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-29926111173646038332013-01-29T15:20:00.000-05:002013-01-29T15:29:49.626-05:00Keep Calm & Irish Dance - Free Printables! <div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;">Top Dance Blog update: Don't forget to VOTE for On My Toes in the <u>favorite dance blog </u></span><u>and</u><span style="background-color: white;"><u> recreational dancer categories.</u> <a href="http://www.danceadvantage.net/2013/01/24/vote-top-dance-blogs-2013/">Click here to vote! {please}</a></span></b><br />
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With St. Patrick's Day and Worlds coming up in the next few months, Irish dancers everywhere {including myself} are in practice overdrive! I don't know about you, but I <strike>love</strike> am obsessed with motivational posters and trinkets. My sister makes fun of me, because I adore corny, inspirational <i>everything.</i> So...one thing led to another and I found myself making these inspirational Irish dance printables. You can download them for free! </div>
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I picked a few colors I like, but feel free to leave a comment on this post, send a tweet to <a href="https://twitter.com/MoiraOnMyToes">@MoiraOnMyToes</a>, or post on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OnMyToesBlog">On My Toes' facebook page</a> if you have a specific color request... maybe to match your solo dress, or in your dance school's colors :) </div>
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<b>Keep Calm & Irish Da</b><b>nce</b></div>
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<b>Keep Calm & Train for Boston </b></div><br>
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<b>What are you practicing for? St. Patrick's day performances? Worlds? A feis? Just for fun?
Do you like this printable? What other printables would you like? </b><br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
MoiraMoirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-15494250322715470892013-01-28T15:33:00.000-05:002013-01-28T15:52:31.371-05:00Tradition. <div style="text-align: left;">
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<b>Voting just takes a few clicks {of your mouse, not your hardshoes! haha} Thank you! Polls close on January 31st at 10pm. </b><b>Thank you for getting On My Toes into the finals for the Top Dance Blog competition!</b></div>
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While preparing for the TCRG exam, I'm learning & re-learning the traditional set dances required for the exam: St. Patrick's Day, The Blackbird, Jockey to the Fair, Job of Journeywork, King of the Fairies, Garden of Daisies, & Three Sea Captains. As Irish dancing has evolved greatly since these sets were created, these hardshoe dance may seem a bit... well, traditional. {duh!} They're made up of trebles, tips, drums, rocks, toes, heels, kick-your-heels, and the occasional click. No axles, double clicks,<br />
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Despite the lack of exciting new moves, practicing these sets has really made me feel like a part of something bigger. Being an Irish dancer is kind of like being a historian. Each of us has a duty to help our artform evolve through new, competitive, creative steps & tricks, but we also have to remain true to what makes Irish dance special, unique, and different from other forms of dance. Maybe I'm just a history nerd...I was historian of my high school class, a two time county History Fair winner, & the Vice President of Fraternity Development of my sorority in college {aka the VP that makes sure the chapter retains the values of Pi Beta Phi's 146 year history}... but I really love learning more about the history of Irish dance.<br />
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This compilation of video footage from a 1929 Irish dance competition in Dublin has been circulating through the online Irish dance community for the last few weeks. After watching it, I definitely feel more connected to those dancers, the traditional set dances I'm working on, and the Irish dance community at large. Though the costumes, shoes, and steps have evolved, I love seeing historical footage like this just as much as watching the top dancers of recent years. <br />
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<b>What do you think of the 1929 Irish dancers? Do you like dancing traditional sets?</b><br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
Moira<br />
<br />Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-34418458701811819952013-01-16T12:59:00.000-05:002013-01-16T12:59:10.253-05:00Ceili of the Week: The Three Tunes<div style="text-align: left;">
Before we get to into all the ceili fun, please don't forget to<b> comment on the previous post {<a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-dance-blog-contest-2013-vote-for-on.html">click here</a>} to vote for On My Toes in the Top Dance Blog 2013 Contest! </b>Thanks! Now, onto the fun stuff... </div>
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As the new year begins, the dance classes at the studio where I teach are beginning to learn their dances for the spring recital. Recital dances, as they're called, are really looked forward to by all the dancers. My beloved "Ceili Club" will be performing The Three Tunes this year, and the dancers are SO excited!<br />
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The 1996 Minor Ceili World Champions</div>
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Dancing The Three Tunes {1st dance of this video}</div>
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Weren't those dancers phenomenal?! Their energy, precision, and lines are definately qualities all ceili dancers should strive for... which is probably while I'll have the Ceili Club watch this video too! </div>
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<b>The Three Tunes is ...</b><br />
-- An eight-hand Figure dance, from County Armagh<br />
-- Danced to three tunes: <i>Haste to the Wedding</i> (jig), <i>Leslie's Hornpipe, </i>& <i>The German Beau </i>(reel)</div>
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<b>Movements of the Dance</b><br />
Formation: Eight dancers in ring, holding hands<br />
{a} Sides <i>(jig)</i><br />
{b} Rings <i>(jig)</i><br />
{c} Lead Around <i>(reel)</i><br />
{d} Stamp and Clap <i>(reel)</i><br />
{e} See-Saw <i>(hornpipe)</i><br />
{f} Roly-Poly <i>(hornpipe)</i><br />
{g} Hook and Chain <i>(jig)</i><br />
{h} Rings <i>(jig)</i><br />
{i} Sides under Arms <i>(reel)</i><br />
{j} Stamp and Clap <i>(reel)</i><br />
{k} Thread the Needle <i>(hornpipe)</i><br />
{i} Roly-Poly <i>(hornpipe)</i><br />
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<b>Why do I {love} this Ceili? </b><br />
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Originally, the Ceili Club & I debated between performing the Sweets of May vs. The Three Tunes in the recital this year. After watching both dances on video, we decided that The Three Tunes was more appealing to an audience, because of the music changes and lack of repetition throughout the dance! We love that this figure dance doesn't have a body that repeats between figures, so the dance remains exciting to watch. Plus, this dance has lots of stamping, clapping, roly-polies {is that the plural of roly-poly?!}, and even threatening fist shaking! Yes, Ar Rince Foirne actually says to shake fist "in a threatening manner." Only in Irish dance...
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<b>Have you danced The Three Tunes, or even competed in a feis with this dance? What do you like about The Three Tunes? </b><br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
Moira<br />
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-59737527603863480992013-01-14T10:10:00.000-05:002013-01-14T21:56:49.153-05:00Top Dance Blog Contest 2013 {VOTE for On My Toes}<a href="http://www.danceadvantage.net/">The Dance Advantage</a> is running their annual <a href="http://www.danceadvantage.net/2013/01/07/be-a-top-dance-blog/">Top Dance Blogs Contest</a> for 2013...and I've decided to enter! Last year, I remember reading the "Top Blog" winners and feeling <i>so</i> inspired to write & dance... & write about dance!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uJPbVl7LWJu-CJedkiYPZYkcK9I8bQArn_doVJAksnJtAtq_93F6iSomn5lhYyziBtABJLsJOZ4-IT4WQFFUJZi-irbFzxmAIVwAd6h1_ZXQXYjOCMI5s6CX_AvY1c5-STLTLdTLrqY/s1600/topdanceblog_2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uJPbVl7LWJu-CJedkiYPZYkcK9I8bQArn_doVJAksnJtAtq_93F6iSomn5lhYyziBtABJLsJOZ4-IT4WQFFUJZi-irbFzxmAIVwAd6h1_ZXQXYjOCMI5s6CX_AvY1c5-STLTLdTLrqY/s320/topdanceblog_2013.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vote for <i>On My Toes</i> by commenting on this post!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm entering the "Recreational Dancer" category {teen or adult dancers discussing classes, making time for dance, & more}. Like I said in my <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-year-later-on-my-toes-top-10.html">last post</a>, I couldn't have dreamed how many readers and dancers have viewed <i>On My Toes</i> and I can't thank you all enough! Connecting with dancers and bloggers from across the globe has really become my favorite aspect of writing this blog.<br />
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<b>Will you help me become a Top Dance Blog? </b><br />
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All you need to do is <b>vote for <i>On My Toes</i>, by commenting on <u>this</u> post by Tuesday January 22nd</b>!<br />
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So easy, right?! Comment with your favorite post, something you've learned from this blog, what you like best about this blog, a topic you'd like to hear more about, or just say hi. Just comment... please?! :) Oh, and maybe tell your friends, family, dance class, or anyone with a computer to comment on this post too?! Thank you again for all the support you've given me! The blogs with the <b>most</b> comments will enter the "finals" voting round of the Top Dance Blog Contest.<br />
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Keep dancing,<br />
Moira<br />
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PS: One of my favorite Irish dance blogs, Rince Go Bragh, is also entering the contest {<a href="http://rincegobragh.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-dance-blog-contest-2013.html">head over to her blog</a> to help her too!}.Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-35709262807633814762013-01-13T15:59:00.001-05:002013-01-13T19:03:56.803-05:00One Year Later {On My Toes' Top 10}<div style="text-align: left;">
Just over a year ago, I began writing this blog as I ended my lengthy hiatus from Irish dancing and began really thinking about becoming a TCRG. <i>On My Toes</i> was a way for me to connect with other Irish dancers and share my love for Irish dance with whoever happened upon my blog. I could never have imagined that one short year later I would have reached over 27,000 readers and dancers from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Not only have I gained the support of thousands of people worldwide, but I'm also teaching Irish dance at a local non-profit dance school as I prepare to take the TCRG exam this fall. What a difference a year can make! </div>
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Thank you all for reading my blog, following me @MoiraOnMyToes on <a href="https://twitter.com/MoiraOnMyToes">Twitter</a>, liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OnMyToesBlog"><i>On My Toes</i> on Facebook</a>, and supporting me as a dancer, teacher, and blogger. Here are your top 10, most viewed posts from the past year! </div>
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{1} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/02/prodijig-changing-game.html">PRODIJIG: Changing the Game </a></div>
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{2} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-irish-dancers-miss-america-catching.html">The Irish Dancers' Miss America: Catching up with Betty Thompson</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmV7JzeW-8aX6le73fBLAvAskG9j2EiMeCkJj71fcCA6ouMNDn7uyNcVqbeGmZ0whkuo7BCsPMkVTBdVezOqP2rqTYj0eFhLnrY3vfDE0Li8ZpJwe8HRKlF5rBLQZ2I1n0Rb6zBD54iU/s1600/481635_10100922519745002_1996989348_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmV7JzeW-8aX6le73fBLAvAskG9j2EiMeCkJj71fcCA6ouMNDn7uyNcVqbeGmZ0whkuo7BCsPMkVTBdVezOqP2rqTYj0eFhLnrY3vfDE0Li8ZpJwe8HRKlF5rBLQZ2I1n0Rb6zBD54iU/s320/481635_10100922519745002_1996989348_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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{3} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/06/win-pair-of-iconic-by-john-carey-hard.html">Win a Pair of Iconic by John Carey Hard Shoes</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwl5feMwWnNgAskZBOZ01elloPH3JP_k0MR9CL2Dzhc0gdmPT7m_oZe4hcShmaph9GlWzV2PTvgfhm1TVSksYE32WRCoIiDDSz_rNEuJAklIH-g4dqjB0_kGc2Xb8dOahwomzo_xbe-I/s1600/iconic+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwl5feMwWnNgAskZBOZ01elloPH3JP_k0MR9CL2Dzhc0gdmPT7m_oZe4hcShmaph9GlWzV2PTvgfhm1TVSksYE32WRCoIiDDSz_rNEuJAklIH-g4dqjB0_kGc2Xb8dOahwomzo_xbe-I/s320/iconic+tape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{4} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/irish-dancing-their-way-to-crown-miss.html">Irish Dancing their Way to the Crown: Miss America 2012</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rOJoinONz8Zdxb4kdRKIRFKbeiwfrHyJpuVuoXYdOZVqz79m_TK3tbfZKafHDH4WD5EjxSh_u9m-r3M2pA3-jBTMSUXlMnmtdlgjtXW_FvtwXm0wCuidwMUh7rBNDB8ll4SErSBkqqY/s1600/maria+cahill+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rOJoinONz8Zdxb4kdRKIRFKbeiwfrHyJpuVuoXYdOZVqz79m_TK3tbfZKafHDH4WD5EjxSh_u9m-r3M2pA3-jBTMSUXlMnmtdlgjtXW_FvtwXm0wCuidwMUh7rBNDB8ll4SErSBkqqY/s320/maria+cahill+2.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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{5} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/irish-dancing-their-way-to-crown-miss_15.html">Irish Dancing their Way to the Crown: Miss America 2012 Reaction</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr3W8MqElCRr8y-lvGqpk1R7DJQKzCosSOxgnFnjphmypS9fmyzsGY3L8ME5e1utXsDk0ChspAiMQNlbvzCwVIvw7a5VEwSW_rEfhIxzOOiaTh5nJdd0xMQO8Vk17ANJTKT5tAzMxc9g/s1600/top+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr3W8MqElCRr8y-lvGqpk1R7DJQKzCosSOxgnFnjphmypS9fmyzsGY3L8ME5e1utXsDk0ChspAiMQNlbvzCwVIvw7a5VEwSW_rEfhIxzOOiaTh5nJdd0xMQO8Vk17ANJTKT5tAzMxc9g/s320/top+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{6} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/06/strictly-irish-dance-live-blog.html">Strictly Irish Dancing: Live Blog! </a></div>
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{7} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/shortcuts-to-happiness.html">Shortcuts to Happiness</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_eD4BoTWSOMAB_fsI4OIvJ_DgsmKqrnbzOP4e8Evuz3s_KcXX8qs6iTNo9E60JgqhZP7vVeKqRJDpkWt8vH-dMLq_VywUPv4NeZsn7fImI3PVZJsERf7VZeMemWgyzxZ8KYoKhmVYvo/s1600/brents+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_eD4BoTWSOMAB_fsI4OIvJ_DgsmKqrnbzOP4e8Evuz3s_KcXX8qs6iTNo9E60JgqhZP7vVeKqRJDpkWt8vH-dMLq_VywUPv4NeZsn7fImI3PVZJsERf7VZeMemWgyzxZ8KYoKhmVYvo/s320/brents+trophy.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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{8} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-than-little-white-dress.html">More than a Little White Dress</a></div>
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{9} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/06/whats-in-feisonistas-dance-bag.html">What's in Feisonista's Dance Bag? </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLz5WrLNBE1cyHwEtCqmIAYoDGgh6bFU6aejYD7ZsGFbUJ0HH0SzFRuB6GnPt4KBUdJArA2eFviyFtMeJsy5iChizzKSRMMeva4c8BwS9K_iI6xL9WPuprRzEP1loWy_0zqdw5yDqm3E/s1600/dancebag1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLz5WrLNBE1cyHwEtCqmIAYoDGgh6bFU6aejYD7ZsGFbUJ0HH0SzFRuB6GnPt4KBUdJArA2eFviyFtMeJsy5iChizzKSRMMeva4c8BwS9K_iI6xL9WPuprRzEP1loWy_0zqdw5yDqm3E/s320/dancebag1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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{10} <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-does-irish-dancer-want-for.html">Happy Valentine's Day, Irish Dancers! </a></div>
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-22585654700357058192013-01-11T00:41:00.000-05:002013-01-11T00:41:08.959-05:00The Irish Dancers' Miss America: Catching up with Betty ThompsonThis time last year, <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/irish-dancing-their-way-to-crown-miss_15.html">Irish dancers worldwide were cheering for Betty Thompson</a>, Miss Oklahoma, as she competed on the <a href="http://www.missamerica.org/">Miss America</a> stage. With style, grace, and a fabulous Irish dance for her talent, Betty finished first runner up to Miss America 2012. Although Betty didn't end up taking home the Miss America crown, she certainly won the hearts of Irish dancers in the states and across the globe. After her success at Miss America, Betty returned to the feis circuit and qualified for the 2013 World Championships in Boston. Lucky for us, she took some time out of her <i>very</i> busy schedule to answer some questions for her adoring fans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB-RNh_EWeL06DCbHPI1T7nY_Or30xTg90jpPgr-9Buh3oBb9JzMHZHarD8g_ENp4KnwBhclsL2AeeJU505KrtHWoXvXmb677GFRmHH-psk1oI8ooDvDrXyKs_qSNE3SddQWGDb_JYwo/s1600/Miss+America.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB-RNh_EWeL06DCbHPI1T7nY_Or30xTg90jpPgr-9Buh3oBb9JzMHZHarD8g_ENp4KnwBhclsL2AeeJU505KrtHWoXvXmb677GFRmHH-psk1oI8ooDvDrXyKs_qSNE3SddQWGDb_JYwo/s320/Miss+America.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty and Miss America 2012, Laura Kaeppeler,<br />
waiting for the winning results to be announced. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">On My Toes Blog: In less than a calendar year, you've not only placed first runner up to Miss America 2012, but also qualified for the 2013 World Championships of Irish Dance. Did you ever imaging reaching those two milestones so close to one another?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Betty Thompson: </b>Certainly not! When I decided to get serious about capturing the Miss Oklahoma title, I decided it was time to hang up my competition shoes. However, after I crowned the new Miss Oklahoma in June it hit me that I didn’t currently have something I was striving to achieve (aside from my degree at OSU {Oklahoma State University}) and I didn’t like that realization. Ever since I began competing in Irish dance at the age of 12 I have been working towards a goal, and then my goal became Miss America. I decided in mid-August to start dancing again for exercise and a week after that made the decision to compete in the Oklahoma Feis. I borrowed a dress and had so much fun competing again that I decided to go on to the Oireachtas. Two and a half short months later I found myself on the SRO {Southern Region Oireachtas} stage and loved every moment of it. Of course I wanted to qualify for the Worlds, but I wasn’t sure if I had been back long enough for it to happen! I’m beyond excited and feeling so blessed.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vision in white on the Miss America stage: <br />
Betty in her Johnathan Kayne evening gown</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">OMTB: You dazzled us in a custom Johnathan Kayne gown at Miss America this year, and have recently been spotted at the Southern Region Oireachtas in a new Gavin Doherty solo costume. How involved are you in the design process of these fabulous dresses?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>I was very involved in the design of my talent costume for Miss Oklahoma and Miss America. Jonathan Kayne is so much fun to work with and he really captures your personality and is able to portray that in his designs. I gave him a basic idea of what I wanted (high neck, emerald green and a form fitting bodice), he envisioned and created something far more beautiful than my expectations! I was THRILLED that Gavin Doherty agreed to make my solo dress for SRO, especially on such short notice. I think what makes a Gavin dress so wonderful is that his ideas and creativity are endless. I didn't want to restrict that in any way. I just told him I wanted something modern, appropriate for a senior lady and the colors I had worn in the past. As with Kayne, the end result was amazing and I can’t wait to wear it in Boston!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmV7JzeW-8aX6le73fBLAvAskG9j2EiMeCkJj71fcCA6ouMNDn7uyNcVqbeGmZ0whkuo7BCsPMkVTBdVezOqP2rqTYj0eFhLnrY3vfDE0Li8ZpJwe8HRKlF5rBLQZ2I1n0Rb6zBD54iU/s1600/481635_10100922519745002_1996989348_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmV7JzeW-8aX6le73fBLAvAskG9j2EiMeCkJj71fcCA6ouMNDn7uyNcVqbeGmZ0whkuo7BCsPMkVTBdVezOqP2rqTYj0eFhLnrY3vfDE0Li8ZpJwe8HRKlF5rBLQZ2I1n0Rb6zBD54iU/s400/481635_10100922519745002_1996989348_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking stunning in her new Gavin after securing her spot at Worlds!<br />
Southern Region Oireachtas 2012</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">OMTB: Fake tan, loads of makeup, and massive wigs can give people the wrong impression about Irish dancers. What does your feis-look say about you?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>My feis look says you get what you see, which was the same impression I wanted to give on the Miss America stage. I’m blessed to have olive skin so I stay naturally tan year round-for that reason I don’t have to wear fake tan. I do wear more makeup on stage than I would on an average day, but I certainly don’t take it to an extreme. I also wear a bun wig versus a full wig. I just feel that as a senior lady it’s a little softer and since I’m so petite I don’t feel like my face gets lost in the curls! Not to mention that I could use all the help in the height department that I can get. :-)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gPfFnl2uoPZXXVYVCTvGcIs9ihgJAvi04YryttNM6qW_FVmkvffALT8d6CNrW3CKqhRr8CIif4HQcto_49Cyz2er9qE6VC8TngKQBxVXP4ju99a9H1La5y-Du-emT4e1ewXI9LhXaxs/s1600/399253_10100923301593172_1891901171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gPfFnl2uoPZXXVYVCTvGcIs9ihgJAvi04YryttNM6qW_FVmkvffALT8d6CNrW3CKqhRr8CIif4HQcto_49Cyz2er9qE6VC8TngKQBxVXP4ju99a9H1La5y-Du-emT4e1ewXI9LhXaxs/s400/399253_10100923301593172_1891901171_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Betty with Rebekah Roberts, McTeggart TCRG, after her</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
success at the Southern Region Oireachtas</div>
</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">OMTB: Do you have any tips for looking put-together on stage at a feis or major competition?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>One of the biggest similarities between competing in Irish dance and competing in a pageant is the stage presence. My dance teacher, Maureen McTeggart Hall, instilled in me at a young age that confidence on stage was key. The way I held my body and head said a lot about my belief in my own ability. Having that confident look on stage no matter what you’re competing in draws attention!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">OMTB: You've already competed at Worlds numerous times, and brought home an All-Ireland's </span></b><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">medal. Do you have any goals for this year's competition?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>I would love to medal at Worlds this year. I have a lot of work to do in the next few months and I feel like I’m behind my competition already in preparation time but I no longer believe that anything is impossible with hard work. It’s one of the main reasons I came back, that goal you just can’t let go of!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wp33HRFGpaQg3XC4XUzVEXzJitUoJgd4JZ__NpSlDNs7ppWUCY94cOvHVR3umu94QTtzeoww0_tpbWoGMQEivsqKRg9kCbQDYn3M4_1Q724Na3x-v3z6_QMtD_ILB3z31dGkODLYTJo/s1600/392360_10100415973632472_527420558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wp33HRFGpaQg3XC4XUzVEXzJitUoJgd4JZ__NpSlDNs7ppWUCY94cOvHVR3umu94QTtzeoww0_tpbWoGMQEivsqKRg9kCbQDYn3M4_1Q724Na3x-v3z6_QMtD_ILB3z31dGkODLYTJo/s400/392360_10100415973632472_527420558_n.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's talent, set to "Warriors" from Lord of the Dance,<br />
earned a Preliminary Talent Award at Miss America 2012</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">OMTB: How did your talent choreography in Miss America influence your performance style </span></b><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">when you began competing in feiseanna again?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>It was actually a really hard adjustment! I became accustomed to the dramatic affect of my talent at Miss OK and Miss America (thanks to my incredible choreographer, Jason Hays, McTeggart North TX), being able to “play” with the audience and ultimately getting a standing ovation at the end of almost all of my performances in a pageant ....and I had to remember that’s NOT reality for a competitive Irish dancer! The judges at Oireachtas and Worlds are not “wowed” by my performance like the Miss America judges and audience were and they are literally picking apart my every move. It’s back to strictly Irish dancing technique!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT7dD7a-AP_RqUP8RkzC0uX5B8WVa2IeH2U-lo8dcglYfnU9VxgyGv9uYzO_HrHDgVv1bgu0qclK2DPCfr2mI3DzUYevithENiuXvm4dBHpKSQQ4xJGUV4xwgsmSc6DCaOzjvgSvl_ms/s1600/402127_10100415973792152_1339343937_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT7dD7a-AP_RqUP8RkzC0uX5B8WVa2IeH2U-lo8dcglYfnU9VxgyGv9uYzO_HrHDgVv1bgu0qclK2DPCfr2mI3DzUYevithENiuXvm4dBHpKSQQ4xJGUV4xwgsmSc6DCaOzjvgSvl_ms/s400/402127_10100415973792152_1339343937_n.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something tells me Betty knows core <br />
strength is great for Irish dancing! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">OMTB: Prepping for Miss America vs. Worlds: will you practice more for Worlds? How will your preparations change?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>That’s a tough comparison simply because when you take on the job of Miss Oklahoma, you drop EVERYTHING else. No school, no job. Your job IS Miss Oklahoma, multiple appearances (3-5) on a daily basis and preparing for Miss America in off-time. There were multiple phases to prepare for and that made it difficult at times. However, in preparing for Worlds, I feel more pressure than I did in preparing for Miss A. I’m back in school taking 17 hrs, working in the marketing department of the Oklahoma State University Foundation, continuing to travel the country for appearances and speaking engagements and finally making time to train for Worlds! It’s certainly a struggle, but where there’s a will there’s a way! :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>OMTB: Why should Irish dancers compete in the Miss America Organization? How can they get </b><b>involved?</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BT: </b>The Miss America Organization is the world’s leading scholarship provider for women making available over $4 mil in scholarship every year. The need for scholarship is what drew me to the pageant scene my sophomore year of college and in my short time competing in Miss Oklahoma and Miss America, I've been awarded over $90,000 in scholarships! But the other major perk to competing is that you get to share your talent and love of Irish dancing while promoting it! I've been thrilled by the dozens of messages I received post Miss America about little girls beginning in Irish dance because they watched me on TV!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b>Thank you, Betty, for giving us a little insight into your journey as Miss Oklahoma and in Irish dance. Irish dancers are lucky to have such a beautiful, intelligent, and talented young woman representing us all. We'll be rooting for you at Worlds this year! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Don't forget to tune into Miss America, airing this Saturday, January 12th at 9:00pm est. on ABC! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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Keep Dancing,<br />
MoiraMoirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-3743910379720892392013-01-09T00:40:00.000-05:002013-01-09T11:58:32.412-05:002013 {Snack Attack}<div>
Happy New Year, Irish dancers! I hope 2013 is off to a fabulous start! For many of us, new year = new {dance} resolutions. My fellow Irish dance blogger, Sara of <a href="http://rincegobragh.blogspot.com/">Rince Go Bragh</a>, can attest to that! {check out her 2013 goals <a href="http://rincegobragh.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-goals-and-aspirations.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RinceGoBragh+%28Rince+Go+Bragh%29">here</a>} Whether your goal is to stand on the World's podium this year, pass the TCRG exam, or get your slip jig into prizewinner, healthy eating is likely an integral component of achieving those dreams. </div>
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A few go-to snacks keep me fueled for dancing, or re-energize me after a few hours in the studio. What makes up an ideal snack for Irish dancers, like me? I look for high protein, high fiber, low fat, filling foods. </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/snack_attack/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=68385033" target="_blank"><img alt="Snack Attack" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/z1KEAg0G0gJovlsP3gz6w/cid/68385033/id/gulsHHTVSDKJA7a040kbIw/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Snack Attack" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/snack_attack/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=68385033" target="_blank">Snack Attack</a> by <a href="http://onmytoesblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">onmytoesblog</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">Polyvore</a></small></div>
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{1}<a href="http://www.sparklingice.com/"> <b>Sparking ICE</b></a><b> Pink Grapefruit flavored water: </b>Ok, so this isn't really a snack...but dancers must stay hydrated! Sparkling ICE is zero calories of light, refreshing deliciousness. Sports drinks can sometimes be too heavy for my taste & water is a bit blase, so this is a great balance between too strong and too boring. Pink grapefruit is by far my favorite flavor, but then again, I haven't found a flavor I don't like so far.<br />
<br />
{2} <b><a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Golden-Roasted-Seeds/dp/B0074N1JTC?tag=polyvore006-20">Golden Roasted Flax Seed</a>: </b>High in fiber, omegas, and protein, I love these nutty little guys! Flax seeds are great mixed into yogurt or on top of a salad, but I like them as a crunchy, stand alone snack. Like most seeds and nuts, flax seeds are high in fat for their small size, so portion control is a must!<br />
<br />
{3} <b><a href="http://www.larabar.com/">Larabar</a> Cherry Pie & Lemon Bar: </b>Larabar keeps ingredients to 9 or less natural foods, and then smushes them together into a tasty, snack-sized bar. Made up of nuts, fruits, seeds, and spices, these bars prove that simple can be delicious. I usually keep Larabars in my purse and dance bag, just in case I'm starving between meals. The cherry pie & lemon varieties are my personal favorites, but my roommate loves the more indulgent flavors... chocolate chip cookie dough Larabar anyone? Maybe she's onto something...<br />
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{4} <b><a href="http://chobani.com/">Chobani</a> Nonfat Blueberry Greek Yogurt: </b>I could probably eat this yogurt for every meal of every day and never get sick of it {no joke}. Greek yogurt is more tart and creamier it's non-Greek counterparts, but it also boasts more protein in comparison. Did I mention it's also nonfat?! Winning!<br />
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Looking for more insight into eating healthy for Irish dancers? Read Christy Dorrity's recent post about motivation & dieting, from an adult Irish dancer's point of view {<a href="http://www.christydorrity.com/2013/01/irish-dance-diet-whats-your-currency.html">here</a>}. <br />
<br />
<b>What are your favorite healthy snacks? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Keep Dancing,<br />
MoiraMoirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-26629691145791771922012-12-29T15:36:00.000-05:002012-12-29T15:38:12.527-05:00A few of my Favorite {Irish Christmas} ThingsI hope you are having a wonderful holiday season & a very merry Christmas! This year, I decorated a mini-Christmas tree with my collection of <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/12/nine-ladies-irish-dancing_4.html">Irish dance ornaments</a>. Normally, they just hang in my room with all my medals, so it was lovely to see my little ornaments adorning a tiny, fiber-optic tree! I love all my little dancers, but I do have a special place in my heart for a few of them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/few_my_favorite_irish_christmas/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=67266291" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A few of my Favorite {Irish Christmas} Things" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/S3mxmTSJwr0ycOjSUhoivg/cid/67266291/id/BU3mq4teTliUz5-Xmsv5Xw/size/c600x624.jpg" title="A few of my Favorite {Irish Christmas} Things" width="384" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/few_my_favorite_irish_christmas/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=67266291" target="_blank">A few of my Favorite {Irish Christmas} Things</a> by <a href="http://onmytoesblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">onmytoesblog</a> </small></div>
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The little tree sat on top of my sister's wooden, baby grand piano, surrounded by this year's crop of holiday cards. My favorite part? The Irish Nutcracker guarding the mini tree and tiny Irish dancers, of course!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8Ivt7fEmVlMzogQolMI7L6eGPutDhhixr5gvIpD6esjnYHgV8NjQKI8HelzWJPpl4B1_sh6DmC9pLAWf_oO84ZtKghwaoAB5yD9-o86h2H41xYjIjobunaBDiPQneWFmXGrEx8Q30-U/s1600/2012-12-24_10_26_51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8Ivt7fEmVlMzogQolMI7L6eGPutDhhixr5gvIpD6esjnYHgV8NjQKI8HelzWJPpl4B1_sh6DmC9pLAWf_oO84ZtKghwaoAB5yD9-o86h2H41xYjIjobunaBDiPQneWFmXGrEx8Q30-U/s400/2012-12-24_10_26_51.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMhWFUtODizBMbr84J4aQ-az4GndbWLms3qEssHPYPdsKVRa9rEaWuHdxJjz7Oti0ltwA2Gkdv_hsA9x-olmp4x7u0YES3vFluljm6RgJQODvnhQy_FCk_9NZPojJGXe0MqwUC5D8GLA/s1600/2012-12-24_10_27_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMhWFUtODizBMbr84J4aQ-az4GndbWLms3qEssHPYPdsKVRa9rEaWuHdxJjz7Oti0ltwA2Gkdv_hsA9x-olmp4x7u0YES3vFluljm6RgJQODvnhQy_FCk_9NZPojJGXe0MqwUC5D8GLA/s400/2012-12-24_10_27_40.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the dancing girls & porcelain ornaments</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyglsFU_usroXJyq-atygQMdjnaJ3nVsQtoHKiDdu1JwSvOi5Bu5Hbjo7Bg0Nd_vY9RPNLav3LcJo_CrV3iKgkd0_2D85-uUBJiNfXxYFhpsdsjRI8SDVuzLmFY8_AS1pYL_IhgHBuyo/s1600/2012-12-24_10_29_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyglsFU_usroXJyq-atygQMdjnaJ3nVsQtoHKiDdu1JwSvOi5Bu5Hbjo7Bg0Nd_vY9RPNLav3LcJo_CrV3iKgkd0_2D85-uUBJiNfXxYFhpsdsjRI8SDVuzLmFY8_AS1pYL_IhgHBuyo/s400/2012-12-24_10_29_45.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Madame Alexander {for Hallmark} Irish dancer,<br />
& Royal Tara Irish dancer {toward the top of the tree}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7awHCKRwo4uJAaij2-IWG-Ovfr_tuRKDn2KAa3hGGciwP59C9K8AoK6-7ptwZ-8UDB2BMsbyxzeE5LfzlRxzRW1qfJWUgCDjFOdmM465lp9ycwHDM4ivWr1OOacGN_Bur6njnwIpig-c/s1600/2012-12-24_10_31_53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7awHCKRwo4uJAaij2-IWG-Ovfr_tuRKDn2KAa3hGGciwP59C9K8AoK6-7ptwZ-8UDB2BMsbyxzeE5LfzlRxzRW1qfJWUgCDjFOdmM465lp9ycwHDM4ivWr1OOacGN_Bur6njnwIpig-c/s400/2012-12-24_10_31_53.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another unique Irish dancer ornament,<br />
not the greatest turnout, but she's still golden! </td></tr>
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<b>Did you decorate with any Irish or Irish dance related items this holiday season? How was your holiday?</b><br />
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira<br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=71694990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/71694990.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=71694990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IRISH DANCER Ceili Dance Personalized Christmas Ornament</a></small><br />
<small>ornamentsandmore.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=73522781" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2005 Madame Alexander Sweet Irish Dancer 10th Hallmark Ornament at...</a></small><br />
<small>ornamentmall.com</small><br />
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-20222520471911293082012-12-19T12:28:00.003-05:002012-12-19T12:28:31.178-05:00Christmas with the Celts <div style="text-align: left;">
Recently, the advanced Irish dancers from my dance school were asked to perform with <a href="http://www.theceltsmusic.com/">The Celts</a> on their <a href="http://www.theceltsmusic.com/index.php?cID=74">Christmas with the Celts</a> tour. Christmas with the Celts isn't just your average group of premier Irish, Scottish, and American musicians playing Celtic music & Christmas carols. The band consists of singers, pipes, fiddle, a full percussion set, and even a string quartet and children's choir from each city ...and then some. The show has amazing production, lighting, and effects. From an audience standpoint, Christmas with the Celts is non-stop world-class Celtic entertainment with a Christmas twist.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X1LesaawTN8" width="560"></iframe></div>
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Oh, and the band tours with champion Irish dancer & captivating performer: Alice Ann Robinson... Needless to say, we were all thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with The Celts! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbzb42URrwZsuu5WZUm7GV-isU64wy5Zxd3wRyDnEkblk_lT2RxvsRjT6Rq3orU4U6ZVw2AN4rf8pofjJQSXEqF_LD-FzQMxm2IFQKEJpn8YU_CH6xof2DhhLqBZmjpe_Q0U71hqtnqM/s1600/christmas+with+the+celts.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbzb42URrwZsuu5WZUm7GV-isU64wy5Zxd3wRyDnEkblk_lT2RxvsRjT6Rq3orU4U6ZVw2AN4rf8pofjJQSXEqF_LD-FzQMxm2IFQKEJpn8YU_CH6xof2DhhLqBZmjpe_Q0U71hqtnqM/s400/christmas+with+the+celts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We just LOVE Alice Ann's black patent leather soft shoes! </div>
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{She's wearing the silver sequined dress}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtK53jtFLgCEKifuzvhX3b3WmuxM7W-4pfoAUO25W8skMsx_8KWtMlt5UTlPst80qzsOLwPtMyUkG4eDuCeBzrwgAhmnDif8iNqoMZJPE9FVpNwP2awQCDo6NA8rwsZYI4Zutca6rB3I/s1600/christmas+with+the+celts+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtK53jtFLgCEKifuzvhX3b3WmuxM7W-4pfoAUO25W8skMsx_8KWtMlt5UTlPst80qzsOLwPtMyUkG4eDuCeBzrwgAhmnDif8iNqoMZJPE9FVpNwP2awQCDo6NA8rwsZYI4Zutca6rB3I/s400/christmas+with+the+celts+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pretty points, velvet, & gold... perfect for a winter performance! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEcxbD7B5ax3anvOCit0Q41858NVYymVbw6kkKHNllOZa6vQhnSEfNHCbWJUO27yfBEBOC2YoUnsErskK-5ipMEomiy6wuECGyBun0_s0Mzm4PVTqRGr5Y83zTy4iX5hM4SFBYkfdeiI/s1600/christmas+with+the+celts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEcxbD7B5ax3anvOCit0Q41858NVYymVbw6kkKHNllOZa6vQhnSEfNHCbWJUO27yfBEBOC2YoUnsErskK-5ipMEomiy6wuECGyBun0_s0Mzm4PVTqRGr5Y83zTy4iX5hM4SFBYkfdeiI/s400/christmas+with+the+celts+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Best part of the show {aside from the phenomenal music & dancing} for me? </div>
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Alice Ann and I were campers together at the very first summer of <a href="http://irishdancecamp.com/">Camp Rince Ceol</a>! </div>
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Getting to perform on stage with my old camp friend really touched my heart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNM_eGwaQNBj8_ybbCh4o05OWI6lZQ3p-JtKvg1A3da7GnA0-xg2LMzXzEQBCQYjo5AKujg90whq7tWdfcch-JblL_utK3qrpzK1eeYilzvUjx2y9-Jb0_emjJQ6qEFTAOmyQTesqPxis/s1600/christmas+with+the+celts+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNM_eGwaQNBj8_ybbCh4o05OWI6lZQ3p-JtKvg1A3da7GnA0-xg2LMzXzEQBCQYjo5AKujg90whq7tWdfcch-JblL_utK3qrpzK1eeYilzvUjx2y9-Jb0_emjJQ6qEFTAOmyQTesqPxis/s400/christmas+with+the+celts+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the show: Camp Rince Ceol reunion </div>
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We couldn't believe it had been 12 years since we were campers together!</div>
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The Celts are ending their Christmas with the Celts tour tonight in Arberdeen, Washington. I hope you got a chance to see The Celts if they were in your city! If not... their Christmas with the Celts CD {<a href="http://www.theceltsmusic.com/index.php?cID=69">available here</a>} makes a great gift, or music for any holiday party... I've been playing it in my car for weeks!<br />
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Thank you so much, The Celts, for the opportunity to be a part of your Orlando show of the Christmas with the Celts tour! The dancers & I had so much fun! We were so inspired by the musicians, and of course the lovely & talented Alice Ann.<br />
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Have you seen The Celts or Christmas with the Celts? Does your school perform for the holidays?<br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
Moira </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-47992996661300101192012-12-17T16:21:00.000-05:002012-12-17T16:21:04.338-05:00Ursula Celano {Irish dance} Inspired TreatsIf you read my blog, you probably already know I adore Irish designer, <a href="http://www.ursulacelano.com/">Ursula Celano</a>. She makes the best, unique Irish-themed gifts, bags, cards, and home goods, all from her own graphic designs. Ursula designed the absolute sweetest Irish dancer gift tags for Christmas...and guess what: they're free! Visit the "freebies" section of her website {<a href="http://www.ursulacelano.com/freebies">www.UrsulaCelano.com/freebies</a>} to download and print them. There, you'll find the dancer tags, along with other non-dance Irish gift tags... including a romantic couple in Dublin and a festive Christmas donkey. {I'm obsessed!}<br />
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Using the Irish dancer tags, I whipped up some super simple little treats to give to my dancers at their last class before holiday break {tonight}.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvZ3JMChqwmVMIEtDFCnekq2Z7DLh5_DGfSosgJCUrUg9f92Ba_y9p7NtUtIrFUB7ctP4rxSZhnbdPFofaP1S0IKJ7ZpTsraHFkpeobtogv3rvmI28mKKhCXAkHw1FFxw_39l_vGB0gM/s1600/2012-12-17_14_51_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvZ3JMChqwmVMIEtDFCnekq2Z7DLh5_DGfSosgJCUrUg9f92Ba_y9p7NtUtIrFUB7ctP4rxSZhnbdPFofaP1S0IKJ7ZpTsraHFkpeobtogv3rvmI28mKKhCXAkHw1FFxw_39l_vGB0gM/s400/2012-12-17_14_51_47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After printing the Ursula Celano Irish dancer tags, I cut them out and hole-punched the tops. I also printed 2 sheets of tags per page, making the tags half the size. Printing the smaller version was perfect for mass-producing candy cane gifts. If I was using the tags to wrap gifts, I would print them normal sized, as the dancers' details show up much nicer in the larger format. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqsqUphnOkr1mAlkbPjkvTxYK-uxIursqrudaMLscaLGZjUnZ2gbrmpjmKMCjFbdddMsFOIPlODDK_thyphenhyphenrqcq9FdrELKei43EZilhUQ2SGMEtulwbaFHlhaGhkYM5khjiMQLrX-EvAMM/s1600/2012-12-17_14_52_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqsqUphnOkr1mAlkbPjkvTxYK-uxIursqrudaMLscaLGZjUnZ2gbrmpjmKMCjFbdddMsFOIPlODDK_thyphenhyphenrqcq9FdrELKei43EZilhUQ2SGMEtulwbaFHlhaGhkYM5khjiMQLrX-EvAMM/s400/2012-12-17_14_52_36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used curling ribbon to tie the tags to the candy canes, and then curled the ends for a finishing touch. Since the tags were red and green, I chose a simple white ribbon. I think they turned out perfect...and took all of 15 minutes to make!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksfOPNUcv3a5JgJSYNkWUA99VEIvv18x4dZ6kSHTb9o01ymC9rHyV6Zgj3ekY0rcAI3I0v1SfaRJkd25xmnGTxYVfKE_8f-nzksUz926CGX9yUAF-wjRK-AK6dSw7qLu6iW8SOm1T_eQ/s1600/2012-12-17_14_52_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksfOPNUcv3a5JgJSYNkWUA99VEIvv18x4dZ6kSHTb9o01ymC9rHyV6Zgj3ekY0rcAI3I0v1SfaRJkd25xmnGTxYVfKE_8f-nzksUz926CGX9yUAF-wjRK-AK6dSw7qLu6iW8SOm1T_eQ/s400/2012-12-17_14_52_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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SO cute, right?! I love the dancer's little dresses... and they're all different; just like {real life} solo dresses! Ursula Celano's attention to detail is ridiculously perfect...right down to the little buckles on their tiny hard shoes! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk7a8JhE9JoiD9C67TtcRiuKDSItRDjsz21LLMZZWcSWhMfy_FHDNSJTM-Y1k2ta0gGMnHgQWktJhWLqnuGenJToVQaN4IK8N9b7JzuLAHuAaTVjQMigYdk1mRELgEMpCSUdpQuV4L1w/s1600/2012-12-17_14_56_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk7a8JhE9JoiD9C67TtcRiuKDSItRDjsz21LLMZZWcSWhMfy_FHDNSJTM-Y1k2ta0gGMnHgQWktJhWLqnuGenJToVQaN4IK8N9b7JzuLAHuAaTVjQMigYdk1mRELgEMpCSUdpQuV4L1w/s400/2012-12-17_14_56_31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you think of the finished product? I hope my dancers like them!</div>
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Keep dancing, </div>
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Moira </div>
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Can't get enough Ursula Celano Ireland?</div>
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{<a href="http://www.ursulacelano.com/">website</a>}</div>
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{<a href="http://www.facebook.com/UrsulaCelano?fref=ts">facebook</a>}</div>
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{<a href="https://twitter.com/ursulacelano">twitter</a>} </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-74796732783169045232012-12-05T00:02:00.000-05:002012-12-05T00:02:47.178-05:00Nine Ladies {Irish} Dancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nine_ladies_irish_dancing/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=64974579" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Nine Ladies {Irish} Dancing" border="0" force="1" height="165" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/9GN0ZS3LOHMLs2VgT45LQ/cid/64974579/id/vPx18AExTIWAtcZIQVUZAQ/size/c600x250.jpg" title="Nine Ladies {Irish} Dancing" width="400" /></a></div>
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During the holidays, the dance school where I teach decorates the studio with a nice big tree, decked out with lights and an assortment of dance ornaments. Ballet, jazz, tap, and [of course!] Irish dance are represented on our school's Christmas tree. At home, I have a collection of Irish dance ornaments I've accumulated over the years. They hold special memories of where I got them, or who gave them to me. I even have a tiny trophy ornament to go with the tiny dancers!</div>
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One of my fabulous Irish dancers asked me earlier this week where she could find an Irish dance ornament of her very own. I thought to myself, and quickly realized I had received mine as gifts, or randomly found them at feiseanna or Irish gift shops around the country. For those of you who might be looking for new Irish dancer ornaments this holiday season, here are the prettiest ornaments [in my opinion] from around the web:</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/add_some_irish_dance_to/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=64967189" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Add some Irish dance to your Christmas tree!" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ZNbvcf7LfRlSF8q8lqcLGA/cid/64967189/id/NVLZSJ75TqObwpRSykaPdQ/size/c600x709.jpg" title="Add some Irish dance to your Christmas tree!" width="338" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/add_some_irish_dance_to/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=64967189" target="_blank">Irish dancers for your Christmas tree!</a> by <a href="http://onmytoesblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">OnMyToesBlog</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">Polyvore</a></small><br />
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I love the little jigging Santa Claus, and the lovely dancer with the bow in her hair! I wish I could find some Irish dance shoe ornaments, but haven't had any luck yet. These little dancers might not be completely authentic, have proper footwear, or display perfect technique, but they sure are adorable.<br />
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Do you have a favorite Irish dance ornament for your Christmas tree? Have you found any cute hard shoe or soft shoe ornaments?<br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
Moira </div>
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<small>bronners.com</small><br />
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<small>amazon.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=71695791" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Irish Dancer Ornament</a></small><br />
<small>theirishjewelrycompany.com</small><br />
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<small>ornamentsandmore.com</small><br />
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<small>ornamentshop.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=71694889" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5" Dancing Irish Couple Shamrock Christmas Ornament #W20156</a></small><br />
<small>newegg.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=71694742" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3.75" Woodcut Irish Dancer Girl Christmas Ornament</a></small><br />
<small>newegg.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=71717441" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Irish Santa Dancing Jig Ornament - Ethnic Pride - Christmas Ornaments...</a></small><br />
<small>bronners.com</small><br />
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-60612324804534443222012-12-04T00:18:00.002-05:002012-12-04T00:18:44.934-05:00Everyone Loves a Parade!With Oireachtas season [<i>yes</i>, I totally consider this a season] coming to a close, Irish dancers worldwide have been glued to YouTube watching all the latest winners' Parades of Champions... including me! Congrats to all the champions & all the Oireachtas dancers who've danced their best over these last few weeks! You all have <i>so</i> much to be proud of. [For more of my Oireachtas deep thoughts, click<a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/11/long-live.html"> here.</a>] And just in case you weren't one of those dancers in the Parade of Champs at your O this year and are feeling a bit down, remember...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp858MKjEa8QUUYMGH8ij2ezxXeDKbFOhyphenhyphens5qVTsYgZSoDMgC5a1QtqXivXW2l243oZbQ-0_kUzjmJzHE1l2Q5enj8Ff7tx9s8XvdZ3K0cZHQffGBWiBlaCS2ua0XU5W7lh9JMXJSn7NA/s1600/parade+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp858MKjEa8QUUYMGH8ij2ezxXeDKbFOhyphenhyphens5qVTsYgZSoDMgC5a1QtqXivXW2l243oZbQ-0_kUzjmJzHE1l2Q5enj8Ff7tx9s8XvdZ3K0cZHQffGBWiBlaCS2ua0XU5W7lh9JMXJSn7NA/s320/parade+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. <br />
Without the rain, there would be no rainbow."<br />
- G. K. Chesterton</td></tr>
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I'll probably post my favorite Parade of Champions videos soon, but until then, lets focus on another type of parade...<br />
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The dance school where I teach participated in our town's annual Christmas parade this past weekend. The whole town came out to watch floats, marching bands, and of course, our dancers! The parade was a great time, with loads of Christmas lights, music, singing, and candy passed out to the kids...even Santa made an appearance!<br />
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We wore our school T-shirts [bright yellow this year!] with white long sleeved T's underneath [so the parade audience could see our arms in the darkness], black dance pants, and sneakers. Sparkly dance earrings and ponytails completed our school's parade look.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/parade/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=64922545" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Parade" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ulfyGWlFnGqhn9W4a17Nw/cid/64922545/id/aUXOba7nSGC9vjYy5Jig1g/size/c600x928.jpg" title="Parade" width="258" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/parade/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=64922545" target="_blank">Parade</a> by <a href="http://onmytoesblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">OnMyToesBlog</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nike_athletic_shoes/shop?brand=NIKE&category_id=268" target="_blank">Nike athletic shoes</a></small><br />
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Unlike the Irish dance schools I danced for growing up [Shout-out to the<a href="http://www.drakedance.com/"> Drake School</a>! Great job at the Southern Regional Oireachtas!], my current dance school is <i>not</i> just for Irish dancers. We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, & IRISH dance classes. The parade is a great opportunity for <i>all</i> of our dancers to have fun performing together. We danced to a song called, "The Rhythm of Rejoicing" which was the perfect tune for for jazz, ballet, and Irish dancers to shine! Listen to it... you'll hear the part that sounds like a jig [we danced a single jig to this portion of the song = more single-jigging than I've done since middle school!], and you can probably tell which part the ballerinas waltzed to!</div>
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What does your dance school wear during a parade? Are you dancing in any Christmas or holiday parades this winter? </div>
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Keep dancing,</div>
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Moira </div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=64491800" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Old navy t shirt</a></small><br />
<small>oldnavy.gap.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=60723797" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/60723797.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=60723797" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Victoria's Secret activewear pants</a></small><br />
<small>victoriassecret.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=58734640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nike athletic shoes</a></small><br />
<small>finishline.com</small><br />
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-25227436078567364832012-11-19T07:01:00.001-05:002012-11-19T07:02:00.398-05:00Giveaways on Facebook [The Irish Dancer + Ryan & O'Donnell] <i>[While you're waiting for this weekend's Oireachtas Parades of Champions to be posted, why not enter to win a few fun items for Irish dancers on Facebook?]</i><br />
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Do you follow your favorite Irish dance suppliers on Facebook? From shoes to costumes to tiaras, all the best vendors are on Facebook! Right now, two great contests are running on the social network. Here are the details:<br />
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<b><u>Tiara [from The Irish Dancer]</u></b><br />
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Win a sparkling, gold plated, Aurora Borealis crystal Sinead Tiara from the Irish Dancer [<a href="http://theirishdancer.co.uk/">theirishdancer.co.uk</a>]. Just like their Facebook page [<a href="http://www.facebook.com/theirishdancer.co.uk">http://www.facebook.com/theirishdancer.co.uk</a>] by <b>November 30!</b> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqxbEVpvSlle88r5rcP8ziog2m__1M6L1pZIDa-Rw7DSORH4x8918PVmnCwSlKjWF7PQ2e9GwUmmdyL5C_CBq3utSLWWhEPVZG24sW84z0Ofyh-iOkT1w5yjHzFt_2seyc2ziEbfQrl8/s1600/sinead+tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqxbEVpvSlle88r5rcP8ziog2m__1M6L1pZIDa-Rw7DSORH4x8918PVmnCwSlKjWF7PQ2e9GwUmmdyL5C_CBq3utSLWWhEPVZG24sW84z0Ofyh-iOkT1w5yjHzFt_2seyc2ziEbfQrl8/s400/sinead+tiara.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A crown for every Irish dance look! </span></i></td></tr>
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<b><u>Hard & Soft Shoes [from Ryan & O'Donnell]</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Win a pair of hard & soft shoes via Ryan & O'Donnell's Facebook page [<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ryanandodonnell">http://www.facebook.com/ryanandodonnell</a>]. Simply click the social sweepstakes tab at the top of their page [<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ryanandodonnell/app_342579195819956">http://www.facebook.com/ryanandodonnell/app_342579195819956</a>] to enter by <b>December 8th!</b> Every entry will also receive 15% off an online order through December 19th :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LQGEyIUnOikHPWD9SvQbbuQy4ZK-q1oSaq-tdarTBc_jeM5xcNFmcaNKxdS837HQWorCSoBP35SzPtkAis8LRsebJIcL7EEBM-AsVkxsVhZSeCTsyRazwN3hF385tz_8z_E208g8tM0/s1600/ryan+and+odonnel+soft+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LQGEyIUnOikHPWD9SvQbbuQy4ZK-q1oSaq-tdarTBc_jeM5xcNFmcaNKxdS837HQWorCSoBP35SzPtkAis8LRsebJIcL7EEBM-AsVkxsVhZSeCTsyRazwN3hF385tz_8z_E208g8tM0/s200/ryan+and+odonnel+soft+shoes.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5VA3nzu5WXf98u3kH-vqMjXrEPtjXRxn_EkC7tX0Y-aL2qahzvcNJlOFQDd1kdtJdyZAxFyFZGwXjRgtN8Zmclh1lmjr1vrVxwidTqoVFq9tnKZ0MHBxs1tiwIxIX_VwkguNSVwXEI/s1600/ryan+and+odonnel+hard+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5VA3nzu5WXf98u3kH-vqMjXrEPtjXRxn_EkC7tX0Y-aL2qahzvcNJlOFQDd1kdtJdyZAxFyFZGwXjRgtN8Zmclh1lmjr1vrVxwidTqoVFq9tnKZ0MHBxs1tiwIxIX_VwkguNSVwXEI/s200/ryan+and+odonnel+hard+shoes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>How awesome would it be to win a whole new set of dance shoes!?</i></div>
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Good luck dancers! Thanks The Irish Dancer and Ryan & O'Donnell for these fabulous giveaways! </div>
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira </div>
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[<i>Note: These giveaway contests are not from On My Toes. I'm just sharing these giveaways from two of quality suppliers of goods for Irish dancers worldwide.</i>]</div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-77691776304622709682012-11-16T09:56:00.000-05:002012-11-16T09:56:34.708-05:00Long Live<div style="text-align: center;">
I said remember this moment, in the back of my mind,</div>
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The time we stood with our shaking hands</div>
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The crowds and stands went wild.</div>
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We were the Kings and the Queens</div>
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And they read off our names</div>
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The night you <b>danced</b> like you knew our lives</div>
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Would never be the same</div>
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-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwsSvU2oNrg"><i>Long Live</i> [Taylor Swift]</a>-</div>
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I can't help but think of some of my past Oireachtas memories every time I listen to this song. I can't look back to standing on top of the Southern Regional Oireachtas podium with my senior mixed ceili team without a big grin on my face. I can't listen to these lyrics without remembering the feelings of joy we shared, as the voices filled a crowed hotel ballroom cheering for our team, arms around each other, smiles plastered on our made-up faces. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRFHjPaFo9mfZM12Oi47aebEZbrYk-I3cYu_zPXYbjfzEbfDpPAoSgcrxI3q4oxMiGsjfsnTVBhXeviPcVKpfm1Cem8sXBfXhKar6C7QIFfTX20-BMYvVZcluJcgBx_ivJNKscvUUkKA/s1600/8hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRFHjPaFo9mfZM12Oi47aebEZbrYk-I3cYu_zPXYbjfzEbfDpPAoSgcrxI3q4oxMiGsjfsnTVBhXeviPcVKpfm1Cem8sXBfXhKar6C7QIFfTX20-BMYvVZcluJcgBx_ivJNKscvUUkKA/s400/8hand.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drake School of Irish Dance mixed senior ceili team, 2004<br />
[That's me on the left!]</td></tr>
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It's been 8 years [nearly a decade! <i>eep!</i>] since I last put on a costume for an Oireachtas competition, yet the memories are vibrant as ever. Some memories revolve around podiums, medals, world qualifications, and dreams coming true. Others involve flashbacks of heartbreak, missed opportunities, and tears. Regardless of the results of that year's regional competition, one factor resonates throughout my Oireachtas memories: the friendships I've made through dance and reflections on the unforgettable times we shared. </div>
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With Oireachtas season in full swing, Irish dancers worldwide are practicing til their feet bleed to reach their personal goals. Some are working for a recall at their very first O. Champions are vying to crack the top 10. Veterans are waiting for their chance to return to the big stage at Worlds this spring in Boston. <i>Everyone</i> is reaching-to-a-star :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y5XjSTZRgjC73ZfX9Woi1GVUseSZ_GuEE-AwuRADz0popih6qLMzqAeGv-tH9VuotXXZPehNjycoieHPFjV4RrJnWUkznoJLnVHeqOeMrEaBAcv6F9gMyPQsFbnMmKkcT65JOV_Oj4o/s1600/1st+oireachtas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y5XjSTZRgjC73ZfX9Woi1GVUseSZ_GuEE-AwuRADz0popih6qLMzqAeGv-tH9VuotXXZPehNjycoieHPFjV4RrJnWUkznoJLnVHeqOeMrEaBAcv6F9gMyPQsFbnMmKkcT65JOV_Oj4o/s400/1st+oireachtas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1st Oireachtas, my 1st recall, my first 2-hand partner, and one of my dearest friends</td></tr>
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If you're one of those dancers, here is my [extremely sappy, but heartfelt] message for you: I hope this year's Oireachtas is full of happy memories and goals achieved. I hope you dance your best. I hope if you cry, they are tears of joy. I hope you meet and exceed the standards you have set for yourself this year. I hope every last one of you makes it to Boston, but most of all, I hope you cherish the times you have with the friends and dancers you are surrounded by: the dancers you share your classes with, the dancers you share the Oireachtas stage with, and <i>hopefully</i> the dancers you share the podium with. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3TGMs5V8wf9bMDd0Y_zJUllw_DlRPAQPMFc-HZ6H4SekMbDvB5kXLu6wuQou1L0ZkkLk5G-JBYB392Axl4Uu__D3nbqwRilUYI_Tr2oCXW_2hQCjwjd1Lra3Gp0o3-yI5G4hmgBaHMk/s1600/2+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3TGMs5V8wf9bMDd0Y_zJUllw_DlRPAQPMFc-HZ6H4SekMbDvB5kXLu6wuQou1L0ZkkLk5G-JBYB392Axl4Uu__D3nbqwRilUYI_Tr2oCXW_2hQCjwjd1Lra3Gp0o3-yI5G4hmgBaHMk/s400/2+hand.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seems like just yesterday! So glad to still call this beautiful dancer my friend :)</td></tr>
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I'm so thankful for the cherished friendships I've made through Irish dance. I'm not sure what exactly makes Irish dance friendships different than the friendships I've made outside of dance, but they really are unique. Maybe it's the literal blood, sweat, and tears we shed together over the years. Maybe it's the long hours spent at dance studios, in hotels, and on stage together. Regardless of why, my dance friends remain the people I can call and pick things up with like we just had lunch yesterday, even if we haven't chatted in months. They are the friends I can run into at a pub, dance a treble reel with the band together, and laugh hysterically about workshops and Oireachtas antics from years ago. From two-hand partners to former Oireachtas rivals, those dancers have remained my closest friends long after our medals and trophies have tarnished.</div>
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Long live the relationships you share with your fellow Irish dancers & long live the unforgettable memories you'll make with those friends at this year's Oireachtas! Best of luck to all!</div>
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Keep dancing,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Moira </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-91603724183467148832012-11-15T08:33:00.001-05:002012-11-16T19:06:12.717-05:00Eastern & Western Canadian Oireachtas Parades of Champions 2012Wow. I really have no words to describe these these Parades of Champions. Well, I have no words except for grace, athleticism, beauty, strength, power, energy, innovation, tradition, elevation, talent, dedication, perfection... Ok. I lied. I have <i>so </i>many words for how amazing these dancers are. Congratulations, Canadian champion & best of luck in Boston!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[My apologies if this post takes longer to load... but I promise these 3 videos are worth the possible wait!]</span></i> </div>
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<b><u>Western Canadian Region Oireachtas 2012 </u></b></div>
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Western Canadian Region Oireachtas 2012- Under 14 & Up Parade of Champions</div>
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<b><u>Eastern Canadian Region Oireachtas 2012</u></b><br />
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Eastern Canadian Region Oireachtas 2012 Parade of Champions - Choreography</div>
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Eastern Canadian Region Oireachtas Parade of Champions 2012</div>
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To see some great pics of competitors at the Eastern Canadian Region Oireachtas, check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.557996227549633.148836.111938632155397&type=3">Irish Dancing Magazine's ECRO 2012 album on Facebook</a>... filled with smiling faces and beautiful dresses! If you missed any details from the ECRO, visit the <a href="http://ecroireachtas.blogspot.com/">Eastern Canadian Region Oireachtas blog</a>.<br />
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Is it just me, or does anyone else want to go practice for upwards of 5 hours <i>right now</i>!? Especially those of you who are prepping for your upcoming Oireachtas... So amazing.</div>
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-11645486318600091532012-11-13T17:56:00.000-05:002012-11-14T08:34:52.617-05:00Ceili of the Week: Bonfire Dance<b>The Bonfire Dance is ...</b><br />
-- A round dance<br />
-- For any number of couples [preferably not less than six]<br />
-- A dance traditionally danced on St. John's Eve, around a bonfire [hence the name!]<br />
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<b>Movements of the Dance</b><br />
(a) Advance & Retire<br />
(b) Rings<br />
(c) Advance & Retire<br />
(d) Rings<br />
(e) Side-step In & Out<br />
(f) Link Arms<br />
(g) Side-step In & Out<br />
(h) Link Arms<br />
(i) The Rose<br />
(j) Swing and Exchange Partners<br />
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The Bonfire Dance performed by <a href="http://www.cumannceilivin.at/" target="_blank">Cumann Ceili Vin</a>, an Irish dancing group in Vienna, Austria</div>
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[Anyone else get warm fuzzies knowing how many people love Irish dance worldwide?<i> LOVE.</i>]</div>
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<b>Why do I like this Ceili?</b><br />
Learning the Bonfire Dance is one of my first ceili memories as a beginning Irish dancer. I remember thinking "The Rose" was SO fun. This ceili requires dancers to stand with one hand on hip & one toe pointed during The Rose... so for some reason, that was a blast for my beginning Irish dancer, 6th grade self!<br />
From a teaching standpoint, this dance can be a lot of fun as well! My ceili class learned this dance on Halloween. I used it as an opportunity to talk about how the ancient Celts used to celebrate the festival of Samhain [from which our modern Halloween evolved]. My dancers also loved making a fake "bonfire" out of tutus we had at the studio, and dancing this ceili around the "flames."<br />
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<i>Like I said <a href="http://onmytoes.blogspot.com/2012/10/blog-challenge-halloween-irish-dance.html" target="_blank">in my last post</a>, Halloween's Ceili Club was a costume class... and yes, that included the teachers! Here are Mrs. Sarah & I dressed in our costumes, a ballerina and a Lord of the Dance star! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcvmnjBxsu14xko-W3cO8xr7I-ElxWrmKpDrGUE2L7B1B9o-95alSihFaK3FCy6tX7RRPJJlQzbNhCWNpGJKA-d5nFdWbn_csqTrsMGP28lDxUF8c8xvT-rt1PIFrnbDYlyDD9eRXAFs/s1600/halloween+costumes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcvmnjBxsu14xko-W3cO8xr7I-ElxWrmKpDrGUE2L7B1B9o-95alSihFaK3FCy6tX7RRPJJlQzbNhCWNpGJKA-d5nFdWbn_csqTrsMGP28lDxUF8c8xvT-rt1PIFrnbDYlyDD9eRXAFs/s400/halloween+costumes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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How was your Halloween? Did you school do anything special for the holiday? Have you danced the Bonfire Dance?<br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
MoiraMoirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-10430180184022159452012-10-31T00:08:00.002-04:002012-10-31T00:13:24.290-04:00Blog Challenge: Happy Halloween, Irish Dancers!One of my favorite dance blogs, <a href="http://www.thedancebuzz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Dance Buzz</a>, issued yet another <a href="http://www.thedancebuzz.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-blog-challenge-fall-class-ideas.html" target="_blank">fun challenge</a> this month: share an idea for a fall dance class!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI1dII9TqKAqlXsZ5M9-Nc8ILR7IJ1pCDVaLUuAzf6CB1Z0ycshb4X2kpTA_tUvJWpcJLvT_EPiZ_HGUdO_Rhu1Z_dmN_6PxF5tQiU0PsYLhHgP4WXCDDAiaA4GQRbiyFM-fH2nOPY6E/s1600/BlogChallengeBadge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvI1dII9TqKAqlXsZ5M9-Nc8ILR7IJ1pCDVaLUuAzf6CB1Z0ycshb4X2kpTA_tUvJWpcJLvT_EPiZ_HGUdO_Rhu1Z_dmN_6PxF5tQiU0PsYLhHgP4WXCDDAiaA4GQRbiyFM-fH2nOPY6E/s200/BlogChallengeBadge2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Now, I love fall just as much as the next girl, but here in Florida, fall isn't all that special [<i>Correction: fall isn't that special besides <a href="http://www.gatorzone.com/" target="_blank">Florida Football</a>! GO GATORS!]</i>. The leaves don't change color or fall off the trees. The weather is just now beginning to get a bit chilly, by Florida standards of course. Nothing really makes fall stand out from summer here in the sunshine state...except for Halloween!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqiAcJATVbeOa2nDnkBXQt6aM-prs9iDAQzJ5MQKVHJ5_rcDdvNbKv5YawCTQ8C-eExehe3pA32WO641VKkJRpRdzQDBdYs-GQDMpG2R-H_kaMJulJHvqG76-gxkOWReH62LiAbINkJ4/s1600/katies+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqiAcJATVbeOa2nDnkBXQt6aM-prs9iDAQzJ5MQKVHJ5_rcDdvNbKv5YawCTQ8C-eExehe3pA32WO641VKkJRpRdzQDBdYs-GQDMpG2R-H_kaMJulJHvqG76-gxkOWReH62LiAbINkJ4/s320/katies+pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My roomie carved this adorable University of Florida jack-o-lantern! #freehand</td></tr>
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I'll be the first to admit, I'm <strike>slightly</strike> super obsessed with Halloween. First of all, the Irish practically invented Halloween, not to brag [read <a href="http://blog.discoverireland.com/2010/10/halloween-another-successful-irish-export/" target="_blank">this article</a> to see what I'm talking about]. Secondly, what's not to love about a holiday that includes costumes, candy, parties, candy, trick-or-treating, and did I mention, candy?! [<i>Hi, my name is Moira, and I'm addicted to candy...</i>] Anyway, combining one of my favorite holidays and Irish dance is even more exciting than a mountain of candy!<br />
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Lucky for me, Halloween falls on a Wendsday this year, and on Wednesdays, I teach a super fun class called Ceili Club :) For Halloween, the dancers are encouraged wear a dance costume of their choice to class, instead of their usual dress code [plain white top, black shorts or skirt, and poodle socks]... how fun is that?! I've seen some cute pictures of other Irish dance costume classes for Halloween [like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scoil-Rince-Saoirse-City-Island/203021363162478" target="_blank">Scoil Rince Saoirse</a>] & I'm thrilled for ours :) Oh, and I'll be channeling my inner <a href="http://www.lordofthedance.com/" target="_blank">Lord of the Dance</a> star for class...teaching in a costume inspired by the show! [<i>photo in costume to follow</i>]<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQetCLdlppz_R-d3weICww3Q7wDOXG1LVk_zepHzjaK6vw1cNyBupRT0Yoq48jKIp9bxVk6ZlI5F1blaI1ubbw21v_sHkxJRwKgKE4B3hjIF7XmsLmDrOMlfTYAAs4Ds25dSj2NDsWYV0/s1600/LOTD_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQetCLdlppz_R-d3weICww3Q7wDOXG1LVk_zepHzjaK6vw1cNyBupRT0Yoq48jKIp9bxVk6ZlI5F1blaI1ubbw21v_sHkxJRwKgKE4B3hjIF7XmsLmDrOMlfTYAAs4Ds25dSj2NDsWYV0/s400/LOTD_0372.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This LOTD costume to be exact...on the ladies. I will NOT be wearing a gold satin shirt :)</td></tr>
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On top of costumes at Ceili Club, I'm planning to teach a Halloween-esque ceili. I'm thinking we'll dance the Bonfire Dance<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Although the Bonfire Dance was traditionally danced on St. John's Eve, I think it's perfectly suited for a ceili class that falls on Halloween. Centuries ago, the ancient Celts celebrated Samhain, or the end of summer, at the time when we now celebrate Halloween. Since they </span>believed<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on this day the spirits of the dead could return to the mortal world, those crafty ancient Celts lit bonfires and wore disguises [read: costumes!] to ward off malevolent spirits. I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate Halloween than to dance the bonfire dance in costume... just in case there are any evil </span>spirits<span style="font-family: inherit;"> trying to get into the dance studio?! SpoOooOOoooky :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Want to learn more about the history of Samhain in Ireland, and how that has influenced our modern celebration of Halloween? Read this great article from Irish Central: <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/-Top-ten-Irish-traditions-for-Halloween--SEE-PHOTOS-105754748.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Irish Traditions for Halloween</a>. </span><br />
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Happy Halloween, Irish dancers! What are you doing to celebrate? Does your dance school do anything fun & spooky for the holiday?<br />
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Keep Dancing,<br />
Moira<br />
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PS: Here's my treat for all of you... My all-time favorite seasonal video, "Halloween" by Jerry Seinfeld! Enjoy & get candy :)<br />
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-71951779763320214082012-10-28T13:00:00.001-04:002012-10-28T13:00:57.067-04:00Giveaways on Facebook [The Irish Dancer & Usula Celano Ireland]Two great giveaways for Irish dancers are currently running on Facebook! Up for grabs are a lovely bag and purse set + a gorgeous tiara. Be sure to enter for a chance to win!
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<b><u>Bag & Purse set [Ursula Celano Ireland]</u></b><br />
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Win a traditional boat bag and matching purse by liking and sharing <a href="http://www.facebook.com/UrsulaCelano" target="_blank">Ursula Celano Ireland</a>'s picture on Facebook!<b> Enter by Halloween [October 31]</b> for a chance to win.<br />
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Link to the picture to like and share: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=422263284493831&set=a.265084800211681.75814.172520126134816&type=1">http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=422263284493831&set=a.265084800211681.75814.172520126134816&type=1</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFM0WV2cQ5gjN-y-5E45hpSUsff8vqMrnDu2zb2RooCCoKyI1PhiEoGom10NZQWpWU1cw8iSHYhlYccZWppe2aoIRl-XSp5AK11VepuYg0zk_wSAPLOYUWkR4QCetv1sslQSDFFqt9fk/s1600/ursula+celano+boat+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFM0WV2cQ5gjN-y-5E45hpSUsff8vqMrnDu2zb2RooCCoKyI1PhiEoGom10NZQWpWU1cw8iSHYhlYccZWppe2aoIRl-XSp5AK11VepuYg0zk_wSAPLOYUWkR4QCetv1sslQSDFFqt9fk/s400/ursula+celano+boat+bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">... wouldn't it make a lovely dance bag? Or beach bag? Or school bag? ...So many possibilities!</span></span></td></tr>
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<b><u>Tiara [The Irish Dancer]</u></b></div>
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Win a stunning gold plated, A/B crystal Sinead Tiara from The Irish Dancer [theirishdancer.co.uk] by liking their Facebook page [<a href="http://www.facebook.com/theirishdancer.co.uk">http://www.facebook.com/theirishdancer.co.uk</a>] <b>Enter by November 30th</b>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqxbEVpvSlle88r5rcP8ziog2m__1M6L1pZIDa-Rw7DSORH4x8918PVmnCwSlKjWF7PQ2e9GwUmmdyL5C_CBq3utSLWWhEPVZG24sW84z0Ofyh-iOkT1w5yjHzFt_2seyc2ziEbfQrl8/s1600/sinead+tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqxbEVpvSlle88r5rcP8ziog2m__1M6L1pZIDa-Rw7DSORH4x8918PVmnCwSlKjWF7PQ2e9GwUmmdyL5C_CBq3utSLWWhEPVZG24sW84z0Ofyh-iOkT1w5yjHzFt_2seyc2ziEbfQrl8/s400/sinead+tiara.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The perfect crowing touch for any Irish dancing look! </span></div>
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Good luck to all, and thanks Ursula Celano Ireland and The Irish Dancer for these great giveaways! </div>
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira</div>
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[<i>Note: These giveaway contests are not from On My Toes. I'm just sharing these great giveaways from two of my favorite suppliers of goods for Irish dancers worldwide</i>]</div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-62199397711126531962012-10-24T13:03:00.000-04:002012-10-24T13:06:36.680-04:00Irish Dancing: Gangnam StyleI honestly have no words for how hilarious I find this parody of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0" target="_blank">Gangnam Style</a>" from the <a href="http://www.drakedance.com/IrishDance/Home.html" target="_blank">Drake School of Irish Dance</a>...<br />
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Sometimes Irish dance is ALL about dresses and wigs and perfect feet and winning...and sometimes Irish dance is just about having way too much fun with your dance school and being seriously silly with your teachers! This video from the Drake School manages to combine it all.<br />
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Oh, and yes, this <i>is</i> my old dance school, and my fabulous TCRG, the one and only, Mr. Karl Drake. </div>
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Drake's "Gangnam Style" parody definitely had this Drake alumna cracking up at her computer. What do you think of their take on Gangnam style? </div>
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Keep dancing [and laughing!],</div>
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Moira </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-77708863175502945562012-10-15T15:20:00.001-04:002012-10-15T15:34:51.147-04:00Dance Outfit of the Day: Hot Pink + NavyI've been on vacation for the last two weeks-ish, and today it's back to the real world...including dance! This outfit is almost identical to the one I'll be sporting at class tonight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/dance_outfit_day/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=61125587" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Dance Outfit of the Day" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/YaShVQi6yS5uQ0l4JhtE3w/cid/61125587/id/cVNTgs9QQN_FFv4qD_pJ8w/size/c600x760.jpg" title="Dance Outfit of the Day" width="315" /></a></div>
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<b>Top:</b> Hot pink [October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, after all] & flowy [since I've been in Italy eating <i>far too much</i> delicious pasta]</div>
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<b>Leggings: </b>Capri length so my students can actually see my feet, and navy [I'm loving this hot pink + navy combo]</div>
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<b>Shoes:</b> Trainers, lights, & heavies [duh!]</div>
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<b>Hairband:</b> Required to keep my massive quantities of unruly hair off my face! I usually wear my hair in a bun, but my locks have a mind of their own...<br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">What do you wear to dance? How do you keep your hair back? </span></small>Does your dance school have a dress code?<br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">Keep dancing,</span></small></div>
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">Moira </span></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/dance_outfit_day/set?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=61125587" target="_blank">Dance Outfit of the Day</a> by <a href="http://onmytoesblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">onmytoesblog</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/under_armour/shop?brand=Under+Armour" target="_blank">under armour</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=66131157" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Old navy</a></small><br />
<small>oldnavy.gap.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=67889151" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/67889151.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3015588&.svc=blogger&id=67889151" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's Active Tie-Waist Bubble Tanks</a></small><br />
<small>oldnavy.gap.com</small><br />
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-20248201778719089342012-10-03T00:00:00.000-04:002012-10-06T05:12:10.079-04:00What's in Shelly's Dance Bag?<i>[Remember this summer's "What's in my Dance Bag?" series? It's back! I'm <strike>out of town</strike> <b>in Italy </b>this week, so in place of "Ceili of the Week," here's a fun look into another fantastic Irish dancer & blogger's dance bag...enjoy!]</i><br />
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<i>Shelly Allen is an open championship Irish dancer who dances with the Shelley School of Irish Dance in Utah, USA. She is also an artist who specializes in graphic art, photography & web design. Visit Shelly's website: <a href="http://shellyallenart.com/">shellyallenart.com</a>.</i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX-h0AvjIUUUTLpyok0GV3twRbpBm1GD9CKyQDYzMfaQbint3glbB0NdmiuR9sQ48WIkhJoWVheDV83ElN_RuQd0krWdrsqn6q6JmGs_WCPXaPVvFzlql8nXEIlBVhyi8nBFUKNFDKMY/s1600/shelly_allen_bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX-h0AvjIUUUTLpyok0GV3twRbpBm1GD9CKyQDYzMfaQbint3glbB0NdmiuR9sQ48WIkhJoWVheDV83ElN_RuQd0krWdrsqn6q6JmGs_WCPXaPVvFzlql8nXEIlBVhyi8nBFUKNFDKMY/s320/shelly_allen_bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My name is Shelly Allen! I dance with the Shelley School of Irish Dance in Utah, USA. I've been dancing with the school for 9 years now. When I'm not dancing, I love to create graphic art, take photos of other Irish dancers, and update my Irish dance blog ( <a href="http://shellyallenart.com/irish_dance.htm">shellyallenart.com</a> ).
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My dance bag is basically a small carry-on travel bag. I bought it a couple years ago when I was traveling a lot to feiseanna. It's small enough to fit in any luggage compartment, yet big enough to fit everything I need (minus a solo dress) for a weekend feis trip. Since transferring shoes and other things from one bag to another all the time can increase the risk of losing things, I take the same bag to class during the week.
I have never bought anything but Rutherford Super-Flexi hard shoes. I love that even when they aren't yet broken in, I can still toe walk in them. I always buy Hulluchan 2 ghillies. I actually prefer Hulluchan Pros, but they stopped making them a few years ago. I love that they are padded on the inside and they hug your feet better than cheaper brands. I also like to keep some practice sneakers in my bag for long classes. My feet will start to cramp up if I've been dancing in my tight ghillies for more than 2 hours, that's when these practice sneakers come in handy.
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As I said, my bag can fit a lot of things at once. I've packed for a 2 day, 3 night trip to the Oireachtas a few times and easily fit everything I needed in this bag! Since I haven't gone to a feis for a few months now, until I pulled everything out to take photos, I'd forgotten a lot of this stuff was in there!
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Besides my shoes, here's a list of everything else I found in my bag:
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<li><b>Headphones</b> ~ Great for long flights that offer free movies or satellite TV on the way to a feis.</li>
<li><b>Flower Hair Clip</b> ~ I wear this flower with my pink solo dress. I've started just keeping it in my bag so I don't every forget to bring it to shows.</li>
<li><b>Bobby Pins & Pony-tail Holders</b> ~ I use these pretty much every class, plus I need them for shows to help keep my wig on.</li>
<li><b>Theraband</b> ~ We use these in class to stretch our feet and ankles. I bought one off Tina so I could stretch my feet at home as well.</li>
<li><b>Black Duct Tape</b> ~ To keep my hard shoes from slipping at shows.</li>
<li><b>Blister Bandages</b> ~ I use these when breaking in new hard shoes. I still don't know how to prevent blisters!</li>
<li><b>Safety Pins</b> ~ I always keep a few of these in my bag to pin on my competition number at feiseanna. </li>
<li><b>Extra Shoes Laces</b> ~ You never know when you're gunna need one!</li>
<li><b>Oireachtas Badge</b> ~ I didn't even realize I still had this in my bag! I got it at the 2011 Oireachtas and forgot to take it out and put it with my trophies. :)</li>
<li><b>Bun Wig and Tiara</b> ~ Our dance company does a lot of shows this time of year, so I've just been keeping my bun wig and tiara in my bag so I never forget it. It's always embarrassing to be the one dancer who doesn't quite match everyone else.</li>
<li><b>Sock Glue</b> ~ We all know what this is for... :) However, this particular bottle is completely empty. I'm only keeping it in my bag to remind myself to buy a new bottle!</li>
<li><b>Sweat Shirt</b> ~ I always keep one of these in my bag. I don't know about you, but I sweat a lot in class. Sometimes it's nice to have an extra layer to hide all the perspiration. ;)</li>
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I've been using this bag for about 5 years now and I love it. We've seen a lot of great times together! The sides are a little beat up, but I won't be giving it up anytime soon. It's going to see a lot more feiseanna before I'm done with it.
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Photos & blog post by <i><a href="http://shellyallenart.com/">Shelly Allen</a></i>.
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Visit Shelly's Irish dance blog: <a href="http://shellyallenart.com/irish_dance.htm">shellyallenart.com</a><br />
Check out Shelly's Irish Dance graphic art on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/love.irish.dance?fref=ts" target="_blank">Irish Dance</a><br />
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<i>[Thanks so much to Shelly Allen for this wonderful peek into her beloved dance bag! I adore her wonderful photography, blog, and AMAZING graphic art!] </i><br />
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<i>Keep Dancing,</i><br />
<i>Moira </i>Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-34040312197247941342012-09-27T21:57:00.000-04:002012-09-27T21:57:53.351-04:00Ceili of the Week: The Duke Reel <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>[Welcome to the second installment of Ceili of the Week! Hope you learn something new, or at least enjoy reading!] </i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Duke Reel is a...</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>-- Round dance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -- For three couples</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -- Dance to any reel </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Movements of the Dance</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (a) Rings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (b) Sides</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (c) Link Arms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (d) Interlace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (e) Advance & Retire</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> **Parts b-e make up the body of the dance, repeated after each figure**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (f) Figures </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 1st Figure: Figure of Eight</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2nd Figure: Right & Left Chain</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (g) Finish -- Swing Around </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kt1RfNTSyak" width="560"></iframe><br />
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This adorable video of dancers from the <a href="http://www.thekellyschoolofirishdance.com/The_Kelly_School_of_Irish_Dance/RI_Irish_Dance.html" target="_blank">Kelly School of Irish Dance</a> isn't perfect, but it's so cute! According to the video, this was their second night learning the Duke Reel... not bad!</div>
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<b>Unanswered Questions about the Duke Reel:</b></div>
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--Who was the Duke?</div>
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-- Why does he get his own reel? :)</div>
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<b>Why do I like this Ceili?</b></div>
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The Duke Reel a unique six-hand dance. Most of the ceilis for three couples I've danced have been "long dances," or ceilis with two rows of three dancers facing each other [as in the Fairy Reel]. I also think the Interlace portion of the dance [basically, a chain with no arms] is quite pretty. My favorite aspect of this ceili is the figures. More specifically, each couple has the opportunity to perform each figure. While the repetition of both figures three times [once per couple] might be boring to watch, its fun from a dancer's standpoint. I'm all about all-inclusive dances! More fun for everyone :)<br />
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This video shows The Duke Reel, performed up through the first figure. <i>[The video doesn't say who these dancers are, so if you know, please share!] </i></div>
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Have you danced the Duke Reel? What do you like about it? </div>
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira </div>
Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8747415089235665052.post-24037617665933478282012-09-19T00:33:00.000-04:002012-09-19T12:41:36.949-04:00Ceili of the Week: The Rakes of Mallow<div>
<i>[This week marks the beginning of a new series of posts: Ceili of the Week! As I'm currently studying for the TCRG exam and teaching weekly ceili classes, my life is lived from ceili to ceili :) Hope you enjoy learning more about these dances along with me.]</i></div>
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<b>The Rakes of Mallow is a...</b><br />
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-- Long Dance<br />
-- For any even number of trios [a gent with two ladies on his right]<br />
-- Danced to the tune of the same name, or any other reel<br />
-- Has nothing to do with raking leaves or eating marshmallows :)<br />
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<b>Movements of the Dance:</b></div>
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(a) Advance and Retire</div>
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(b) Swing with Opposite Lady</div>
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(c) Swing with Lady on Right</div>
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(d) Link arms in Centre</div>
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(e) Swing Out<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gS9vZOXdQ8k" width="420"></iframe>
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The Rakes of Mallow<br />
from <a href="http://www.olivehurley.com/" target="_blank">Olive Hurley's</a> Ceili Dancing Step by Step, Volume 2</div>
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<b>Fun Facts:</b></div>
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<li>According to Ar Rince Foirne, this dance was "arranged by the Late Father <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorc%C3%A1n_%C3%93_Muireadais" target="_blank">Lorcan O Muireadhaigh</a>, during ceilithe in the Irish College, Omeath, where the girls outnumbered the boys." </li>
<li>The village, Omeath is located in County Louth, in the province of Leinster, close to the boarder with Northern Ireland... and nowhere near Mallow!</li>
<li>Rake, short for rakehell, refers to a dissolute man, usually given to vices like drinking, promiscuity, gambling, and womanizing. </li>
<li>Mallow is located in County Cork, in the province of Munster. </li>
<li>The tune, "The Rakes of Mallow," dates back to the 1780s, and is a fight song for the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VafBdSU6A90" target="_blank">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a>. </li>
<li>"The Rakes of Mallow" tune has been featured in several films, including <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZiajl3I6O0&feature=related" target="_blank">The Quiet Man</a></i> (1952), <i>1941</i> (1979), and <i>Rudy</i> (1993).</li>
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<b>Why do I like this ceili? </b>
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Unlike many ceili dances, The Rakes of Mallow doesn't have a repeating body or series of several [often intricate] figures. It's a nice, progressive long dance without too many complications. I think this ceili would be great for a community or school-wide ceili, since its simple to perform and easy to remember. My wonderful ceili class dancers had loads of fun learning this dance, and as seen in the video below, The Rakes of Mallow is fun for Irish dancers of all ages!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YWmhacI1WlM" width="420"></iframe></div>
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Have you danced The Rakes of Mallow? What do you think of this ceili? Do you think you'll still be Irish dancing when you're older [like the fantastic ceili dancers in the last video]? Did you know what "rake" meant?<br />
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Keep Dancing,</div>
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Moira</div>
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Moirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372702961119524357noreply@blogger.com0