Irish Dance School Celebrates Double Championship Win
Nigel Lew placed first in boys under 12 years
Emily McDonnell placed first in girls under 17 years
CALGARY - This year's North American Championships were held in Philadelphia and a Western Canadian school has now two North American Champions.
AT THE NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS in Philadelphia (L-R) Sally Houston, Emily McDonnell, Kim Houston Kinash, Nigel Lew, and Kerry Houston.
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Emily and Nigel both dance for Scoil Ard Na Griene in Calgary, the longest established school in Calgary, with a long succession of successful dancers having passed through the school. Their teachers are Kim Houston Kinash T.C.R.G. , Kerry Houston T.C.R.G ( semi retired from Riverdance after almost 7 years) and Sally Houston A.D.C.R.G.
Sally Houston of Scoil Ard Na Griene said the school was extremely excited about Emily and Nigel's success saying, “we’re ecstatic and still in shock.” Although Scoil Ard Na Greine has had many wins at Nationals for ceili and figure dancing, this was their first double win in first place.
Houston said, “we've had dancers place in top five several times, including Kim and Kerry in their competitive days, at Nationals, Worlds, and All Irelands, however, this is the first time we've been successful in taking first place in a solo event...actually in two first places.”
She continued, “all of our Championships dancers work hard during the year, while still including school studies, and we are delighted for Emily and Nigel and congratulate them on their wonderful success.
“We would also like to congratulate Emily's sister, Deirdre, who is now dancing lead understudy for Riverdance the Show and who recently attained her T.C.R.G. with An Coimisiun. lso another of our dancers with Riverdance, Cara Casey, who is a trainee lead understudy.
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