Irish Dancing World Championships . . . and a Dancer’s Perspective
By ELMA MELHUS
VANCOUVER -The World Championships of Irish Dancing took place over Easter week in Belfast and Western Canada made a great showing. The Penk-O'Donnell School of Irish Dance, based in Coquitlam and Fort McMurray, had 18 dancers in the competition ranging in age from 11 to 19 years old.
BRONAGH CELEBRATES with classmates (from left: Candice Corrigan, Christina Perry, Bronagh Rogan, Rosie Wilbur, Robbie Wilbur, Yvonne Lynch, Amy Turton.
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Most competitions had an average of 150 dancers, with the top 50 making it into the final round and receiving a "recall medal". Western Canadian girls earned five recall medals with four of the medals going to Penk-O'Donnell dancers.
Catherine Gallagher (age 14), and Kahylin Kelly (age 12) have both won medals before. Jessica Gallagher (age 12) and Bronagh Rogan (age 16) won medals for the first time. Catherine Gallagher also holds the title of North American Champion.
These same four girls also competed at the All Ireland Championships in February and all came home with various recalls. Catherine Gallagher ended up in 15th position out of 210 girls at this competition.
One of the dancers, Bronagh Rogan of Coquitlam, was happy to share her thoughts on the competition and dancing in general. Bronagh started dancing at age five but didn’t start taking it seriously until age seven. Between classes, practice, and shows, Bronagh dances at least eight hours per week. In 2004, Bronagh made her fourth trip to the Worlds but this time she came home with a medal after receiving a recall in her competition.
DEIRDRE PENK-O’DONNELL with her Fort McMurray champions from left: Catherine Gallagher, Jessica Gallagher, Kahylin Kell
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Bronagh was initially stumped when asked what the Worlds mean to her. She was quick to point out that her favourite aspect of the competition is watching the dancers of various ages and nationalities.
She commented that although the styles differ between North America and the UK and Ireland, the overall caliber of dance is amazing. But it’s not all roses – Bronagh’s least favourite part of Worlds is getting there plus the intense practice and work leading up to the competition.
When asked how it felt to hear her name announced on the recall, Bronagh simply said “Great. I had set this as a goal, I worked hard, and I achieved it.” At age 16, many of Bronagh’s friends undoubtedly wonder what drives her to work as hard as she does. Although they admire her achievements and envy her travel opportunities, they also recognize how much commitment is required.
One unexpected highlight of Bronagh’s trip to the Worlds came in the form of another Irish tradition. On a visit with family, Bronagh joined them on a trip to the local bookie. Much to her delight and everyone’s shock, Bronagh picked the winning horse in the Grand Nationals and walked away with EU85.
When asked again to express what the Worlds means to her, Bronagh replied, “It’s a great place for the top Irish dancers to gather, compete, and reach their goals.”
If you would like more information on the Penk-O’Donnell School of Irish Dance, call Deirdre Penk-O’Donnell at (604) 921-0700 or at Deirdre@patrickodonnell.com.
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