Figure 1.--

Many teachers are passionate about their commiment tonIrish dancing. They are not only deeply committed to Irish dance and culture, but they also see the benefits to the dancers. Many find great personal award in teaching and helping the dancers develop their dancing skills and in the process learning the benefits of hard work and discipline.

Teacher Comments

For me, it's the relationships between the people. My friends and I are all step dancers (I'm a new TCRG) and there's just something about being able to jump up in a pub and dance together. To decide in the middle of a reel which one we're going to go for next, to figure out if we have enough for the Fairy Reel, the hoots and hollers from the enthusiastic audience... For me, it's the time spent and the memories made and the laughs we have all had together in those kinds of situations; that's what it's all about.

And as far as the kids are concerned, I live to teach and I just can't quite put it into words. I love the kids and the time we have together; I love seeing them grasp a step; taking a moment to remember how far they have come. Most importantly, I love to watch them create the kinds of experiences and memories with each other that I have with my friends. It's great to be teaching them the dancing; that's wonderful. But it's even better to know that I am giving them the time to be friends with each other, and learn from each other. At the end of the day, they'll be good dancers, and a big portion of their love for Irish step dancing will stem from their enjoyment of one other. Meighan Osborn

Created: March 16, 2000
Last updated: March 16, 2000