The Atlanta Irish Dance group gears up for St. Patrick’s Parade festivities
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - As the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade approaches this weekend, thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets, celebrating Irish heritage.
One of the highlights of the event each year is the stunning performance by Irish dancers, and this year, the Atlanta Irish Dance company will once again take center stage.
Emma Burke, co-founder of Atlanta Irish Dance, promises an unforgettable experience for paradegoers. Burke, along with nearly 100 dancers ranging from young children to adults, is excited to showcase the energy and precision of Irish dance.
“The smiling faces of the kids, the kicking up of the legs. Irish dance is something that everyone just can’t help but clap to,” she said.
For more than a decade, the Atlanta Irish Dance company has been a staple of Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Parade, dazzling crowds with their lively performances. Whether it’s the toe-tapping rhythms or the energetic jigs, Burke said the dancers manage to capture everyone’s hearts.
Among the performers is 18-year-old Kaitlin Gareau, who has been dancing since she was 5. Now a world-class competitor, Gareau said her love for Irish dance was inspired by family.
“My mom danced when she was younger, and then my older sister did it, so she kind of inspired me to start,” she said.
Burke’s studio in Morningside is where all the magic happens, and the lessons are no easy feat. Aspiring dancers, both young and old, go through intense training. From the stiff upper body posture to the rapid foot movements, Irish dance requires precision and strength.
While the studio’s lessons are rigorous, they are also filled with fun and laughter. In fact, even Atlanta News First’s Don Shipman took a lesson, though his rhythm may have been a little off.
“Let’s just say my feet weren’t exactly in sync with the dance!” said Shipman.
His attempt at Irish dancing provided plenty of laughs, but also a newfound respect.
“It’s incredible to see the dedication but also level of skill and performance each dancer brings forward,” he said.
You can watch members of the Atlanta Irish Dancer company in person during Saturday’s parade, which starts at noon and airs on PeachtreeTV.
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