Christmas is in the air and the dancers from The Tara School of Irish Dancing are polishing up their Christmas choreographies and looking forward to bringing joy to several community events this festive season.
Perennial favourites such as Christmas in Killarney, The Christmas Macarena and Joy to the World, danced to glorious, joyful music will delight audiences in seniors’ homes and community events throughout Campbell River.
Dancers are ready to celebrate the holiday season having spent the fall term working hard to take the official Grade Exams of the Irish Dancing Commission – the governing body of Irish Dancing worldwide. The Grade Exam syllabus has been designed to provide a strong foundation in Irish Dance by developing a candidate’s physical skills, stamina, expression, musicality and an appreciation and knowledge of the traditional dances and culture. It provides a worthwhile sense of achievement for individuals whether they dance solely for health, recreation or competitive reasons or hope to pursue a career in Irish Dancing.
The Tara School of Irish Dancing has chosen a community performance focus rather than a competition focus, so the Grade Exams provide the local dancers with the opportunity for recognition of their individual achievements in solo dancing.
On Saturday, Nov. 24, 18 students from the Tara School of Irish Dancing participated in the grade exams held at Urban Dance Connection studio in Campbell River. The examiner, Finnuala Irwin, ADCRG from Calgary, commended the dancers on their preparedness and noted that their hard work was reflected on the level of dance and high grades achieved. All dancers received Distinction in their grades.
Eighteen dancers from the Victoria School of Irish Dancing travelled to Campbell River to participate in the exams and were warmly welcomed by the local dancers. Dancers and parents alike were pleased with the organization of the event and impressed with the facilities of the venue, Urban Dance Connection.
Dance Director, Margaret Mullen, ADCRG is delighted with the results for her dancers and notes that the exams have now become part of the regular curriculum in Campbell River.