Flying Irish Studio kicks off 10th year

(Above) Members of the Flying Irish Studio take a bow at the studio's recital last spring. (l-r) Laura Greenwood, of Lunenburg; Meagan O'Brien of Lunenburg; Sarah Berman, of Townsend; Will O'Brien, of Lunenburg; and Loretta Donelan, of Peterborough, N.H. Courtesy Photos

The Flying Irish Studio celebrates 10-years of Irish Dance instruction this fall, with classes commencing Sept. 5.

An open house for registration will be held on-site Monday, Sept. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Since opening in 1996, the studio has expanded its offerings to include Irish soft-shoe and hard shoe, Irish team dances, and ballet, as well as aerials, acrobatics, and circus lessons.

The staff has grown as well, from one instructor in the earliest days to several who specialize in various disciplines.

The Flying Irish Studio was founded in the belief that all students, no matter what their age or experience level, can learn to dance and perform with precision and joy. Flying Irish instructors foster a fun and noncompetitive atmosphere in which students learn the art of presenting themselves confidently while connecting with an audience.

New at the Flying Irish Studio this year are Gaelic lessons and an enhanced circus program. The Gaelic course, taught by an instructor who was raised by native speakers, will complement the studio's Irish Dance curriculum to promote a better overall understanding of Irish culture.

(Right) Tatiana O'Hanlon, 6, of Ashby, performs an aerial routine during the Flying Irish Studio's recent recital.

The new circus program includes acrobatics, aerials, juggling, clowning, an exploration of silent film techniques, and more. Circus is a uniquely non-competitive discipline in which participants learn to use their bodies in new ways and work closely with others, developing mutual trust and a knack for teamwork. Acrobatics and aerials may be learned as disciplines on their own or in combination with circus arts.

Classes, including circus, are available to both children and adults. See www.irishstepdancing.com/classschedule.htm for a complete list of courses and age requirements. All students have the opportunity to perform in the studio's end-of-year recital.

Those in the Enhanced Performance Program have many additional opportunities to perform. The troupe recently returned from Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, where it danced by invitation as part of Hershey's Talent Quest. A trip to perform at Walt Disney World next year is now in the works.

Prospective students can register and learn more at the open house Monday, Sept. 4. The Flying Irish Studio is located on Route 119, in Ashby, less than five minutes from the New Hampshire border.

For information, call (978) 386-2325 or visit www.irishstepdancing. com.

- Submitted to The Journal