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Director Karyn K. Oster said this is their busiest time of year for performances. "Our dancers are constantly practicing for competitions year-round, but the last four weeks we've been focusing on perfecting our show routines," she said. "We're doing 70-plus performances during the month of March."
New dancers are always welcome.
Participants, for the most part, range in age from 18 months to 18 years but there are now classes for adults. Cardio Ceili class, for example, is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Studio 118 in Baldwin Place and is taught by the school's founder, Kerry-Kelly Oster.
Karyn Oster (the founder's daughter) said you don't have to be Irish to try Irish dancing. "With the competitive aspect, many people view Irish dance as a sport. At the world championships last year, a special award was presented to Asian dancers that placed. Years ago there used to be a "Best Overseas" award. It goes to show how much Irish dance has changed over the years and opened up to the whole world."
As for how to do a jig and impress your friends in time for St. Patrick's Day, she said to note the four basics: "T. F. C. E."
"First is 'Timing,' -- always dance to the beat of the music," she said. "Next is 'Footwork,' dancers must stay on their toes with their feet turned out and crossed in front of one another.
"Then you can focus on the carriage or upper body. Hundreds of years ago, the Irish were banned from dancing by the British king and queen. Therefore, if they kept their arms down by their sides they weren't, technically, dancing and so not breaking any laws. So keeping your arms in tight is very important.
"Finally, the 'Execution' of the steps is what really makes Irish dancing impressive. Sharp, quick, precise movements with pointed toes and lots of lift make Irish dancing stand out from all other types of dance. "
Go here for St. Patrick's Day celebrations and performances, many of which are this week in Northern Westchester and Putnam.
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