Local Irish Dancers Find Success at International Competition
By ELMA MELHUS
VANCOUVER - The North American Open Championships was the finale to an outstanding dance year for the Penk O'Donnell School of Irish Dance.
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THE UNDER 12 GIRLS - Gabrielle (8th), Eilidh (11th), Meikaela and Hannah.
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The "Nationals" as they are better known, were held in San Diego the first week of July and attracted 3,000 Irish dancers from as far away as Australia and Europe. Dancers had to qualify in their own regions in order to compete and were divided into age categories.
"The standard was one of the best I can ever remember for a North American Championships," said Deirdre Penk O'Donnell, teacher. "It seemed everyone was there. In one competition alone, we had eight of the top 10 dancers in the world dancing. It was great for the dancers and especially entertaining for the audience."
Penk O'Donnell dancers certainly rose to the occasion. Candice Corrigan beat out over 150 dancers to claim second place in the Girls Under 15 and Bronagh Rogan danced her way around 140 other dancers to place second in the Girls Under 18 competition. Fifteen year old Christina Perry placed fifth in the Girls Under 16. This was the first time these girls had been in the top five and all three were elated.
"It was so exciting," said high school grad Bronagh Rogan, "I really hoped that I would be in the top five and when I got second I just couldn't believe it."
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DEIRDRE PENK O'DONNELL and Christina Perry celebrating after her fifth place result.
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Candice Corrigan, who was only a few points behind first place agreed. "It's like time stands still when you're waiting for your results. They call them out in backwards order and you just keep waiting for your name to be called. It's very exciting."
Penk O'Donnell had three other dancers come into the top 10 as well. Lara Brewster had her best finish ever coming in eighth Under 16. Gabrielle Corrigan, who was 10th at the World Championships this year, finished eighth Under 12. Emma Cronin, who was 11th at the World Championships this year, finished 10th in a very deep Ladies Under 19 competition.
"There were a few things that I didn't do as well as I could have," said Emma Cronin, "the competition was really amazing, so little mistakes make a big difference. I was really happy to make it into the top 10."
Eilidh Morrice-Ashdown had her best placing with an eleventh place finish in the Girls Under 12 and Yvonne Lynch placed 13th in the Ladies Under 21.
"All of these kids work so hard and they are really beautiful dancers," said Deirdre. "Of course we had our disappointments but, for the most part, the dancers saw their work pay off."
Other dancers to bring home medals for the school were Ben Petruk, 16th place, Boys Under 10; Catherine Gallagher, 32nd place, Girls Under 16; Hannah Ingham, 33rd place, Girls Under 16; Brenna McDonnell, 38th, Girls Under 11; Rosie Wilbur, 39th place, Ladies Under 19; Hannah Groves, 46th place, Girls Under 9; Kaleigh Jeffers, 47th place, Ladies Under 19; and Lyndsey Seatter, 53rd place, Girls Under 15.
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EMMA, ROSIE AND KALEIGH congratulate Bronagh (second from left) on her second place finish.
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For more information about the Penk O'Donnell School of Irish Dance, call (604) 921-0700.
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