Get In Step With Comerford School of Irish Dancing
Posted By: Liz Goodrich
Date Posted: 2/16/2005
Deschutes Public Library pleased to welcome the Comerford School of Irish Dance for a performance at the Bend Public Library Lobby on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30. This program is free and open to the public.
Kristi Brown, Area Coordinator for the Comerford School of Irish dance says, “most people are familiar with Irish dance because of Michael Flatley's, Lord of the Dance or Riverdance and want to learn how to do what they've seen.” There are several things that make Irish dance unique, according to Brown, including the shoes. Irish dancers use two different types of shoes used. Ghillies are soft, lace up shoes, and hardshoes, which have fiberglass toes and heels used to make a wonderful sound. Irish dance can be danced as a solo step, or ceili (say kay-lee), which is a group dance. Another aspect of Irish dance that sets it apart is the stiff upper body, which increases the difficulty of many of the soft shoe, and hardshoe steps.It is difficult to say what makes a great Irish dancer. But Brown notes that grace, agility, stamina, and a love of Irish music all play a part in defining a great Irish dancer. Currently, several dancers from the Comerford School are competing and working towards the Oierachtas (O-rock-tus), the regional competition. The Oireachtas will be held in San Francisco this year in November. If the dancer places in the top 10 in their competition, they qualify for the Worlds, held Easter week in Ireland.
Classes at the Comerford School of Irish Dance are held at the "Vibe" dance studio on Hwy 97. The Intro to Irish dance class is held Sunday's from 2-2:45. For more information about the Comerford School of Irish Dance, call 318-8221. For more information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1032.
Page Last Modified Wednesday, March 8, 2023