Students from Broadway Dance in Doolin, ranging in age from 12-18, are preparing to compete in the Dance World Cup in Dublin this summer; (Front L-R): Casey Tuohy, Cass Collins, Síofra Lordan, Séamie Dalton, Mia Noone, Farah Linnane, Ríona O’Dwyer; (Middle L-R): Liz Shannon, Ciara McDonnell, Niamh MacNamara, Marcella Mantoan, Kate Fahy, Orlaith Franklin, Éabha Colgan; (Top L-R): Kayleigh O’Meara, Doireann Daly, Lucy O’Loughlin, Photo by Tom Micks
COUNTY Clare and to a greater degree, Doolin, is a community historically synonymous with traditional music.
However thanks to a group of young dancers from across Clare and Galway, a different kind of disciplined artistry is taking hold.
Broadway Dance, an American-style dance school in Doolin founded by Boston native Liz Shannon, has seen 17 of its students qualify to represent the country at the Dance World Cup in Dublin this summer.
The achievement is the result of a grueling selection process. Out of hundreds of applications nationwide, judges selected only five pieces per category to form Team Ireland.
Broadway Dance secured 14 of those spots in total across various genres, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop.
For a rural school to compete at this level is significant.
The 17 dancers, ranging in age from 12 to 18, will face competitors from 54 countries from July 8-18 this summer.
“You have to go through a pretty grueling audition process,” Shannon told The Clare Echo, noting that after sending routines for the video selection element, her dancers then went to Dublin for another phase before qualifying for the DWC.
“They selected five for each genre. I’m just so happy for them. You see them work so hard, and dance is hard.”
The transition from recreational dance to the world stage requires a level of dedication that Shannon likens to elite athletics.
Her competitive students average 15 to 20 hours of training per week, often remaining on the floor for four-hour sessions without significant breaks.
“It’s a real, athletic thing to do,” Shannon says. “The way we do it, they’re really moving to build flexibility and poise. With the groups, there is so much precision needed. They have to do everything together, and everything at the exact same time. Every finger needs to be in the exact same place. Every level needs to be the same height.”
This technical standard takes years to cultivate. Shannon notes that students must develop specific muscle groups to execute jumps and body shapes correctly, a process requiring “years of training and a lot of time.”
The school is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the cultural shift Shannon has overseen in North Clare.
When she first opened the school, the concept of American-style competitive dance was foreign to the local community.
“I remember telling my mom, ‘Someone came in, in a leotard, but then they had on wellies,’” Shannon laughs.
“They didn’t understand some of it because it’s so part of the culture in America. Now, fast-forward 20 years, and for them to be so good is so exciting.”
The school is now ingrained in the community and has even entered a self-sustaining cycle.
Former student Fia McCabe, who trained and performed professionally in London, returned to Doolin this year to join the staff. Her choreography is responsible for much of the work heading to the World Cup.
“It’s a real full-circle moment,” says Shannon.
“She danced as a professional in London and just moved home to teach for Broadway Dance. It’s her choreography, so it’s just so nice for all of them. I’m just so proud.”
Others involved include choreographer Ellen Carey from Liscannor, and teachers Marykate O’Dwyer (Doolin) and Ciara Loughman (New Quay).
To represent Ireland in the DWC, the expenses for attending for ten days, entry fees and uniforms will bring costs close to €10,000. Liz notes that the dancers are trying to fundraise to help with the costs.
“We are doing two main fundraisers. We have a draw in which we are selling €5 lines for chances to win hotel breaks, dinner vouchers and other prizes. The draw will take place on June 4 and lines can be purchased from a team member or by contacting 0872615809.”
“Our team members will also be running smaller events such as a kid’s game night, pub quizzes and bake sales.”
Broadway Dance will celebrate 20 years with special shows at glór Theatre in Ennis on May 26 / 27 at 7pm. For more information visit their Instagram: Broadway Dance Ireland.
The group also has a GoFundMe page and if you would like to donate, follow this link https://gofund.me/eb94895b0.
