Local dance teacher passionate about sean nós

Roisin O'Hara, a dance teacher and student from Moate has said dance doesn't have to be all competition based.

The local woman (18) teaches beginner, advanced and intermediate classes in sean nós dancing every Saturday in Dún na Sí.

Speaking about sean nós and Irish dancing Roisin said: “Some kids want to go into the fleadh. Some are doing it for fun.”

According to Roisin, the love of sean nós dancing and traditional Irish music was passed down through her family. “My grandfather used to do sean nós and my dad and I dance together.”

The former Moate Community School student also plays the accordion and added: “We'd meet up as a family and play a few tunes and do a dance. I know no different. Music was always played in the car and I was brought to seisiúns.”

Sean Nós is Roisin's favourite style of dance. “I started with sean nós and it stuck. I was mad to be banging my feet.”

The young dancer is hoping to pursue a career in music and dance and is currently studying Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.

Speaking about her experience teaching young children, Roisin said: “There's kids that are really quiet coming in. I see them being happy when they get a difficult step. They really like the music as well so it's great.”

Commenting on the future of sean nós dancing Roisin said: “Edwina Guckian would be a prime example of the future of sean nós. She has teachers all over Ireland even across to the likes of New York.

She is extremely passionate about our culture and heritage continuing old traditions such as Dancing on The Cross Roads and The Straw Boys. She brings communities together very easily.

“It is important to not only keep on our traditions but to create new ones during your journey as not only a musician but a dancer too. I chose to do Irish Music and Dance because I wanted to make a career out of something I'm passionate about and love.

"Irish music and dance will continue to develop through the years but old traditions will intertwine them," concluded the young dancer.