AS LIFE begins to return to something approaching normal after the Covid-19 pandemic, Irish dancing schools throughout Scotland have been working hard and taking part in various competitions to prepare their dancers for the upcoming World Irish Dance Championhips in Belfast.
One such school is the McQuade School of Irish Dance, based in the south side of Glasgow, which recently celebrated its ninth anniversary. Teacher Andrea McQuade recently spoke to The Irish Voice about the current goings-on in the school.
“After starting my first class nine years ago a lot has happened in such a short time with lockdown and restrictions, dancing on Zoom and outdoor classes, but the determination of the McQuade dancers has shone through with seven of our dancers re-qualifying for Worlds in Belfast this year.” Andrea said. “It’s definitely been a challenge for them overcoming all hurdles. Now the only thing standing in their way is fundraising to help with the costs. With the world now opening up from the pandemic, we have been at Celtic Park before games and have further plans to dance displays in Glasgow city centre on St Patrick’s weekend.
“In November 2021, seven of our girls placed in the top five in Scotland and qualified for the World Championships which are being held in Belfast, in April of this year. They were: Macey-Leigh Mackay, Orlaith Lyons, Mischa Lamond, Hannah Shaw, Amy Hart, Kenidy Ferguson, Nicola Edoni. All of the seven dancers had previously qualified for the World Irish Dancing Championships in Dublin, which were meant to held in April 2020, but were cancelled due to Covid-1, so for them to qualify again in November after everything they have been through over the past two years was a special moment.
“Mischa Lamond was also crowned Scottish Qualifying Champion in the U14 Girls category. Mischa won her first championship back in March 2020 and two weeks later lockdown happened, so for her to sustain the level she was at through zoom classes was absolutely fantastic. During lockdown Mischa also took park in the first Scottish online feis and she danced out on the pavements for the elderly in the community.
“The McQuade school is now continuing to grow after the pandemic. We were the first Scottish school to introduce Jump ‘n’ Jig, a programme aimed at introducing the basics of Irish dance to 2-5 year olds through music, dance and play and this is proving to be popular.
“Now that feis’ are back, this helps to motivate the dancers at class and gives them something to work for. Hopefully 2022 will be a better year for Irish dancers around the globe.”
McQuade School of Irish Dance holds classes from the ages of two upwards in a fully equipped dance studio in Morris Park and also in Barmulloch. For more information visit: http://www.facebook.com/mcquadeirishdance
