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Irish Dance - What It Takes, What it Gives

Irish Dance in its traditional form has endured the the test of time. It has traveled the world wide and found a following from young and old alike. In its current form, you may see traditional styles or new styles which merge traditional Irish and other dance forms.

 My family is third generation, Irish-American descent. Through parades and events we get the opportunity to see Irish dance and it is always a delight. I am happy to see the young in my family taking Irish dance too - passing it down through the generations. The tradition for Irish Dance is a rich one which takes a lot of dedication and gives so much in return.


2 Videos on Irish Dance
I saw both of these videos via www.irishphiladelphia.com one of my favorite sites for learning about local Irish news and events.

Traffic Stopping Irish Dance http://irishphiladelphia.com/2012/04/traffic-stopping-irish-dancers/ and the McDade Cara School of Dance from Delaware County outside of Philadelphia.



 I enjoyed watching this video of students talking about what Irish Dance is about. It was created through interviews of Dancers from Dunleavy Shaffer School. The girls listed what it takes to be involved in Irish dancing today. It is hard work involving many hours and energy.

What It Takes

• Determination
• Dedication
• Concentration
• Inspiration

They jokingly added 'elimination' which is  a reference to feis contests.

Thanks to the handing down of this tradition to young people world wide, this is one tradition that happily won't face 'elimination' any time soon.

How is this tradition best kept strong? What does it take? How have you seen it grow and change over the years? These are 2 videos I enjoyed which highlight Irish dance. What are your favorites?

 

Chieftains in Philadelphia

The Chieftains performed at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on March 9th, 2012. As many times as I have heard their music this was the first time I had ever seen them live.
They don't disappoint. I admire their versatility and the the way they integrate  themes and musical styles old and new. Triona Marshall on the harp was excellent as were the fiddlers and Deanie Richardson. Cara Butler danced beautifully and led some from the crowd around the hall and up onto the stage. Scottish singer Alyth McCormack was fantastic too.

Highlights were the addition of local dancers and musicians as shown here:



Related story:

Philadelphia Inquirer

Happy To Be Here - 50 People, One Question in Galway

Galway is a wonderful place to be. People from all over the world gather on the streets of Galway. Enjoy this 50 People, One Question video. See the locals and the visitors. Take in the sights and sounds of the Galway streets. Enjoy the humor, the insight, sentimentality and joy.

Gary Papa Run

Gary Papa Walk for Prostate Cancer in Philadelphia, Pa.
For the second year in a row, I will be walking with some family and friends in the Gary Papa Run for Prostate Cancer. It is held on Father's Day. Thousands attend this very important event. We walk in honor of a dear friend and an Irish American from the Philadelphia area who was a great man, kind and caring who did lived for family, for friends and for many charitable endeavors. He had prostate cancer and passed on in 2009 - Bob McCaffrey(shown left). Please consider sponsoring me and helping me to meet my goal.




Click Here to Donate

Irish Signs to Catch the Eye

Signs in Ireland tell a story all their own. Sometimes with no words, sometimes with many, sometimes in Gaeilge, sometimes in English. Sometimes funny and often interesting! If you are driving keep your eyes on twisting and winding roads. However, you may want to pull over and take a photo or two should some catch your eye as a keepsake.

I recently came upon a post about Irish road signs by www.gaeltachttravel.com as part of the 75 Best Series offered by @irishfireside

Road signs were a particular interest of mine on our last trip. Upon seeing their post, I decided to look at the signs I captured and share some below


Think two or three times about climbing over the slabs lining the Cliffs of Moher lookout
spot.











Historical facts are brewed at the Guinness Factory.

Quiet Man Bridge for Sale? / A clear way out of the Ashford Castle.

Take a tour around the Irish isle. The driving will reward you with amazing scenery, stunning views, warm hospitality and an intriguing sign or two that catches your eye.

Taste of Christmas - Bailey's Irish Cream Cakes

One Christmas tradition my daughter and I have is to make Bailey's Irish Cream Cakes. She has taken the lead in this and runs the show to make sure they are baked and ready in time for Christmas day. They are wonderfully delicious. See the Bailey's cakes we made pictured above.

1 pkg. (18.25 oz.) white cake mix
1 (5.5 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 1/2 c. Bailey's Irish Cream
1 c. mini chocolate chips
4 eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake ingredients in order listed above and blend well. Pour into greased 1 cup loaf pans. Bake for 30 minutes.

GLAZE:

2 c. Powdered Sugar
3/4 c. Bailey's Irish Cream

Combine glaze ingredients.
Poke holes in warm cakes with a toothpick and pour glaze over cakes. Cool for 2 hours in loaf pans.

Enjoy! Do you have a favorite Christmas recipe? Please share if so.