Christmas with the Celts

Recently, the advanced Irish dancers from my dance school were asked to perform with The Celts on their Christmas with the Celts 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.

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! 

We just LOVE Alice Ann's black patent leather soft shoes! 

{She's wearing the silver sequined dress}

 Pretty points, velvet, & gold... perfect for a winter performance! 

 Best part of the show {aside from the phenomenal music & dancing} for me? 

Alice Ann and I were campers together at the very first summer of Camp Rince Ceol! 

Getting to perform on stage with my old camp friend really touched my heart. 

After the show: Camp Rince Ceol reunion 

We couldn't believe it had been 12 years since we were campers together!

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 {available here} makes a great gift, or music for any holiday party... I've been playing it in my car for weeks!

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.

Have you seen The Celts or Christmas with the Celts? Does your school perform for the holidays?

Keep Dancing,
Moira 

Coco Rocha: Interview Russia Editorial

I'm completely in love with Coco Rocha's dance-inspired editorial for September's issue of Interview Russia.  Via her tumblr, Coco explains she, "got to play a deranged ballerina" in her "favorite editorial of the season!" 

The movement captured in this series of shots is stunning. Coco looks exquisite & graceful in Alexander McQueen [and not even a bit deranged, if you as me].  Her black pointe shoes may be meant to look edgy, but are reminiscent of soft shoes in my eyes.  

This shot brings me back to pilates sessions at Camp Rince Ceol :)

...& this photo evokes thoughts of adorable Irish dance beginners who tie their soft shoe laces up their legs before they are promptly corrected, and of ruffle skirts on solo costumes. 

All the photos from this editorial can be viewed on Coco's tumblr or facebook. What do you think of this editorial? What are your favorite photos?

Keep Dancing,
Moira 

Strictly Irish Dance: Live Blog!

I cannot express how excited I am to watch Ireland's TV3's documentary of the 2011 World Championships: Strictly Irish Dancing! I'm so so so psyched! Why? Not just because my former and much loved teacher, Karl Drake, is featured. Not just because I'm hoping to see some of my Drake dancing friends on the small screen. Not just because the documentary showcases the awesomeness that is my friend, Camp Rince Ceol counselor, dress maker [Fairy Reel Dancewear], and new TCRG: the extraordinary Caitlin Kelly. I'm excited for all of those wonderful things, but I'm extra excited because TLC decided to show the world what Irish dancing is really all about... in a one-hour format :) 

Stay tuned for LIVE blogging during the show! [10:00pm EST on TLC]


10:00pm: YES! Here we go. Within seconds, Karl Drake is screaming on TV. Thanks TLC, I miss that voice :)

10:01: Claire is far beyond amazing amazing! Sheesh, she can do so much up on her toes. Unbelievable!

10:05: Oh, hi again Karl! So happy to see him [yelling at his dancers] on TV. "ARMS KELSEY" ...Oh my dear, sweet Kelsey Micko, that was meant for you, I'm sure. I've know her since she was tiny, adorable, and amazingly talented. Now she's tall, gorgeous, and amazingly talented :)

--- 1st commercial break ---

10:12: Hi, Catie Foley! There's another blonde Drake dancer I can remember from when she was tiny. And yes, Mr. Karl, the jet lag is a serious problem! I remember that, all too well! Side note: I want need rhinestone buckles.

10:15: I'm so distracted by this narrator. What else does he narrate?! His voice is so familiar. Clearly, I watch too much TLC! [Update: I think he narrates "Say Yes to the Dress" and/or "What Not to Wear"]

10:16: Jack is a cutie...love his stripes and plaid combo outfit during his interview. More than that, I love watching him dance. He's got the relaxed-arms thing down perfectly. And he smiles! Such a rarity in competition.

10:17: Love Catie's giant fluffy flower! Super cute bun-wig look.

---2nd commercial break---

10:22: Sock glue! Thanks for explaining that to the rest of the World, Ronan...such a necessity! I'm not loving how TLC edited this to be all abut this U19 rivalry, but Jessica looks lovely! I love white solo costumes. A LOT. She's a beautiful dancer! I'm so happy with how much of her set TLC aired!! Note to self:  Work on axles in hard shoes and trebles up on your toes. 


10:26: Why do they keep showing Catie's back!? I want to see the front! Love that Karl matched his shirt to her costume... Oh, Mr. Karl. Catie is a lovely dancer, and I love her dress! She and Karl are super cute together as well :) Wish I could've seen more of her set!

10:28: Interesting interpretation of curls! Agree about looking realistic and natural! 

--- 3rd commercial break ---

10:31:  I like Jack's competition look. Very clean, and not too blingy... the rhinestones can get to be a little much on the boys for my liking. 


10:33:  Way to pop your collar, Claire! She's so fabulous. Look at those legs, and feet!! Her calves are insane. "How did you ever win the Worlds?" ...Oh, Claire. No one will EVER ask that question about you! She's so sweet with her lucky Winnie the Pooh :) World Champ's trick: Coke on your soft shoes to not slip! I'm more of a rosin girl myself, but that works! 


10:36: Her dress is beautiful! Perfect combination of modern [so sparkly!] and traditional [with the pleats and knot work]. And then there's the controversial globe on her cape. My thoughts? She earned it, let her wear a globe! What are your thoughts on World champs wearing globes on their costumes?


10:38: It's called a RECALL, not a call back!


10:39: Yes to natural looking style of dance and expressiveness. There's nothing like a dancer who makes it look effortless. 

--- 4th commercial break---

10:44: RECALLED! NOT CALLED BACK! WHY DOES HE KEEP SAYING THAT?! Sorry for the shouting. 

10:45: WHY did they cut away from Claire's dancing so much?! And keep showing her from the knees up?!  Her feet are amazing and deserve all the screen time. I don't care about the audience...

10:46: I do appreciate that TLC is attempting to explain the ever-confusing Irish points scoring system.  YAY Jack! I love watching people succeed!

10:48: "It's so brilliant!" - Jack Quinn, 2011 World Champion

---5th commercial break---

10:52: Jessica or Catie? Spoiler alert: neither... but 3rd and 8th are amazing!! I love Karl and Catie's reaction to Catie placing 8th! "I love you! I love you! I love you!" - Mr. Karl Drake :) Well done, girls!

10:58: Why am I so nervous watching Claire listen for her scores?! I know already know she won! Winning the Worlds 5 times in a row is unbelievable! Claire's family is adorable...that "Galway Bay" sing-a-long was the perfect way to end the movie.

-------

Reaction: I'm so glad they showed this movie on TLC! Although the editing wasn't quite right, I'm still happy to have Irish dancing on a national network. I wish TLC didn't put such an emphasis on the U19 Jessica Hindley vs. Catie Foley rivalry. I also wish they showed Claire dancing more, and had an actually Irish dancer consult on the editing of the documentary. They might not have done this movie justice in the editing room, but they did portray Karl Drake perfectly! I loved watching my teacher on TV! Oh, and they cut out the TCRG-hopeful storyline with my friend Caitlin Kelly. Lame...she's awesome, and I've been spending a lot of time with Ar Rince Foirne lately. Overall, TLC's version of Strictly Irish Dancing was still fun to watch, but the original was MUCH better and more true to Irish dance.

What did you think of this version? Comment with your thoughts :)

Be sure to watch the Strictly Irish Dancing in it's original format at RincePop! & for a more extensive look at the pros and cons of TLC's version this documentary, check out Rince Go Bragh.

Keep Dancing,
Moira

PS: Thank you everyone for reading my blog! Make sure to enter for a chance to WIN a pair of your very own hard shoes from Iconic Dancer!

Happy Valentine's Day, Irish Dancers!

What does an Irish dancer want for Valentine's Day?

A sweet, red and pink valentine, adorned with hearts and glitter?

Or perhaps a bouquet of roses from that special someone?

Or maybe something sparkly and wrapped in a bow?

Cards, flowers, and presents are always welcome on Valentine's day, but what every Irish dancer [and non-dancers] really wants on this holiday is inherently simple. The best gift of all is LOVE! What Irish dancer hasn't dreamt about falling in love with the man [or woman] of their dreams, who also shares their passion for Irish dance? Many of us dancers are lucky enough to find love, without the side of Irish dance, but a lucky few dancers have fallen in love with someone special who shares their love for Irish dance.  Two of these unique couples that have found happiness, success, love, and marriage through Irish dance are Bernadette Flynn and Damien O'Kane, and Sheila Ryan Davoren and Tony Davoren. 

Bernadette Flynn and Damien O'Kane are one of my absolute favorite Irish dancing couples. Bernadette and Damien have toured the world together, staring as leads in Lord of the Dance. Both joined the original LOTD cast in 1996. With dozens of championship titles [Bernadette having won the World's a whopping 6 times!] and a pair of TCRGs between them, they are one of the most talented Irish dancing couples to grace the stage. On the small screen, they performed together in the 2009 NBC series, "Superstars of Dance."  In addition to their talents on stage and screen, this leading couple has inspired and coached hundreds of up-and-coming dancers as instructors at Camp Rince Ceol.  Damien and Bernie [as she's lovingly called] married in 2005. I was lucky enough meet Damien and Bernadette while working as a counselor at Camp Rince Ceol, and I just adore these two. They are a triple threat: amazingly talented, sincerely kind, and dare I say, incredibly good looking to boot! Honestly, how can you not love them? After watching these two stunning duets and heartwarming interviews, I actually might adore this couple even more than I already thought possible...

My other hands-down, favorite Irish dancing couple is Sheila Ryan Davoren and Tony Davoren [although Tony isn't technically a dancer himself]. After competing on the World Championship level with the Golden School and later earning her TCRG in 1993, Sheila was one of the first American dancers to be asked join the cast of Riverdance in 1996. Hailing from Wicklow, Ireland, Tony was one of the original musicians to tour with Riverdance and is featured on not one, but two Grammy award winning recordings ["Riverdance: The Show" and "The Long Black Veil"].  Sheila also directed and produced "Dancing at the Crossroads," an instructional ceili video. Tony, an accomplished producer, directed the video's music. His musical talents are evident in this 1996 Riverdance performance of "Oscail an Doras." [Sorry, no video of Sheila's beautiful dancing. She'll tell you herself that Tony got all the screen-time!] 

After falling head over Irish dancing heels for one another while touring with Riverdance, Tony and Sheila married in 2002. They are happily raising their three beautiful children, Roisin, Aoife, and Malachy. Tony and Sheila's successes are extensive, but they are best known in the Irish dance community for the original place "where Irish dancers spend their summers" ...Camp Rince Ceol! Tony and Sheila's camp is a labor of love. The camp allows dancers to spend their summer learning first-hand from stars of the Irish dance world in an incredibly fun, non-competitive environment that fosters true friendships. As a former camper and counselor myself, I know first hand the unique environment Tony and Sheila have created for Irish dancers. The memories and freindships created at Camp Rince Ceol are cherished by countless dancers worldwide [including me!]. Camp Rince Ceol is extraordinary, all thanks to Tony and Sheila. 

Tony and Sheila, and Bernadette and Damien are two real-life Irish dancing fairy-tale love stories. Both of these Irish dancing power-couples showcase their talents and love for Irish culture [and each other] in the instructor's showcase from Camp Rince Ceol 2011. Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day dancers! Hope it is filled with lots of love... and chocolate!

Happy Dancing

- Moira 

All of the dresses featured in this post [with the exception of Julia O'Rourke's] are currently for sale online. If you're interested in one, click the links below. 

Pink with silver hearts

Red and white hearts [Doire Dress Designs by Shauna Sheils]

Black and white with roses [Chantelle]

Black, white, and red with bows [Celtic Star]

Red and black with white roses [Elevation Designs by Gavin Doherty]: 

More than a Little White Dress

Watching Conan is not out of the ordinary for me. Conan is high-larious. I'm also quite the night owl, so he's on at the perfect time. On top of CoCo's usual comedic antics & celebrity guests, Wednesday night's episode had an extra added bonus..

Emmy Rossum walked out in a gorgeous Cynthia Rowley dress. So stunning, in fact, that my boyfriend even commented on how beautiful it was before I had a chance to say anything. [What can I say? He has good taste.] This obviously wasn't just any little white dress. I love the delicate lattice pattern, tailored bodice, and flouncy, feminine skirt. Instead of a metallic shoe, a la the Cynthia Rowley runway look, Emmy paired the dress with a vibrant cobalt shoe. Her relaxed hair and matte, red lips finished the look like a cherry atop a perfect cake. Behold...

Cynthia Rowley, Spring 2012 / Emmy Rossum on Conan 1/4/2012
This is what perfection looks like. 

Maybe I just have dance on the brain [duh], but my next thought was, "I love all white solo dresses!" I really do love a champion dancer in a white solo costume, when done right. [When done wrong, white solo costumes can border on figure skating costumes.] Maybe it's because I think white dresses are classic, feminine, and graceful. Maybe it's because my pageant friends always say, "Winners win in White." Maybe it's because Bernadette Flynn wears a stunning white lace costume as the lead in Feet of Flames during "Stolen Kiss." 

I couldn't help myself. Bernadette Flynn is too extraordinary to not show up in this post.
And in four different all white looks! 

White dresses are something special. They aren't for everyone, but whether worn by Emmy Rossum, Bernadette Flynn, or a champion dancer, the perfect little white dress can take your breath away [or my boyfriends!]. So here is my Emmy Rossum/Cynthia Rowley inspired Irish dance look. The dazzling, ethereal dress is by Doire Dress Designs. Paired with blue patent leather soft shoes [available from Fay's Irish Dancing Shoes] and red lips, this look is meant to turn heads. 

Flawless and Sparkling

Totally red carpet parade of champions worthy. 

-Moira

PS: While writing this post, something funny happened. When you type "Bernadette Flynn Stolen Kiss" into Google, this photo of Bernadette's husband, Damien O'Kane, is found. 

Damien O'Kane at Camp Rince Ceol

Finding a photo of Bernadette's hubster really isn't that weird, except... wait... who's that girl on the far right in the pink shirt? Oh yeah. It's me! This shot is from Camp Rince Ceol, where Bernadette and Damien were instructors, and I was a counselor. I'm standing next to my friend Jessie Baffa, who is currently touring with Riverdance. Caitlin Kelly, a new TCRG and dress designer [Fairy Reel Dancewear], and James Keegan, Lord of the Dance lead and former World Champion, are also in the background :) 

Moral of the story: When you google Bernadette Flynn [6 time world champion, original Lord of the Dance lead, & my favorite dancer of all time] a photo of me shows up. Coincidence? I think not. 

Coming out of dancing retirement at 25...

"Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion."          

 - Martha Graham

In my high school yearbook, that was the quote next to my senior picture. That was 8 years ago. [Want to know a secret? I just cringed typing "8 years ago."]  

Despite having stopped competing in 2004, my passion for Irish dance has not diminished in my "retirement." Why? Well, let's take a journey to the past & I'll give you the abridged version...

At age 12, I attended my first real Irish dancing class [not including the time my mother dragged the whole family to a ceili class in approximately the 4th grade] and fell in madly in love. From the get go, Wednesday night classes with the Butler School of Irish Dance were more than an after school activity in the Bingo hall of St. Martha's Church.  I made a new best friend [shout-out to Rayna Gubersky] and we spent any and all free time practicing, choreographing new dances, wearing out our VHS tapes of Riverdance, building websites about Irish dance, and designing our dream solo costumes. Suddenly, Irish dance was all I wanted to do. 

Rayna: My dancing BFF and partner in crime...and 2-Hands 

Competition was never something I was crazy about. I loathed the swim meets and piano competitions I'd participated in over the years. That all changed when I found out about Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the World Championships of Irish Dance. From that point on, I knew where I needed to go: Worlds! 

Over a 4 year period, I worked my way from beginner to Open Champion. My loving parents built me a stage on our back porch, where I danced countless hours a day in the Florida heat. On top of my regular 2-3 classes a week with the Drake School of Irish Dance, I attended workshops with world renowned dancers and teachers at Boston College's Gaelic Roots and Camp Rince Ceol.  In 2003, my relentless practicing earned me a spot on the podium of the Southern Region Oireachtas and qualified me for the 2004 World Championships in Belfast. I had achieved my goal, and it was a dream come true!

In 2004, I graduated high school and began college. As any college Irish dancer will tell you, finding the time to practice is next to impossible, especially when your dance school is hours away. So I hung up my shoes and stopped competing. I didn't forget about dance entirely. I danced with a school club and worked for 3 summers at Camp Rince Ceol. I've had the joy of watching some of my best friends tour in Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Feet of Flames. I still mindlessly dance steps on my fingers, and doodle new costume designs. Dance has never been far from my mind. 

SRO 2011: Haley, Ailill, Kelsey, Paul, and me

As 2011 came to a close, I attened the Southern Regional Oireachtas in Orlando, Florida. While watching the dancing with Ailill, my old friend and former 8-hand partner [Gates of Derry, 2003 Oireachtas champs!], I knew it was time to dust off my shoes. The next part of my journey as a dancer will be notably different. I'll be interning at a non-profit dance school in a small town [in contrast to competing under a TCRG] and helping young dancers prepare for community performances and recitals. Despite the changes, the atmosphere is the same: a school of dance centered around learning and loving dance. And as 2012 begins, I couldn't be more excited :)


- Moira