I laced up my first pair of ghillies when I was six years old, not realizing that those tiny leathershoes would eventually carry me across continents. Today, at 21, Irish dance has not only beenmy passion but also my passport into a world of culture, community, and connection. Over theyears, Irish dance has taken me far beyond the studio mirror. From the international stages ofLondon, Belfast, Vancouver, and Dublin, I’ve learned that dance is a universal language. Thesteps might be steeped in Irish tradition, but the connections formed through them reach acrossevery border.There’s something remarkable about walking into a competition in a city thousands of milesaway and immediately feeling at home. The accents may change, but the rhythm, the heartbeatof Irish dance, is constant. In those moments, I’m reminded that Irish dance is more thanperformance or competition. It’s a thread that ties us together, no matter where we’re from.

In Dublin, that sense of connection feels even more profound. Dancing, now professionally, in
the city that holds the roots of the tradition I’ve devoted most of my life to is humbling. During my
time in Dublin I got to experience real trad music popping into random pubs in the city, walk past
the Gaiety theatre where Riverdance performs, and even audition for a show. What strikes me
most is how Irish dance here isn’t just heritage; it’s living, breathing culture. It’s the kids
practicing on their kitchen floors, the families filling entire rows of chairs at competitions, and the
friends who erupt into cheers so loud they drown out the final note of the music.

Through both competitive and professional Irish dance, I’ve built friendships that span oceans.
When you’ve stood side by side on a stage, pushed each other through long practices, and
celebrated each other’s wins, distance loses its weight. The friendships forged in this world are
proof that connection doesn’t depend on geography, it depends on shared passion.
Looking back, Irish dance has taught me that culture isn’t just something you inherit; it’s
something you carry forward. Each step, each performance, each shared moment with dancers
from around the world is a reminder that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. And for
me, Dublin will always be a place where that truth feels especially alive.