Songs for the 1st – 2nd September Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to California this weekend for the Hidden Valley Feis or Missouri for the Kansas City Feis? Connecticut for the Constitution State Feis or Ontario for the Oakville Feis? Or maybe you’re off to New Mexico for the Enchantment Feis.

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors and be sure to come back and share your results with us!

 “Working On A Dream” – Bruce Springsteen
Play this and keep focusing on your dream of winning first place.

“September” – Earth, Wind and Fire
Here’s to a September of flawless dancing!  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 25th - 26th August Irish Dancing Competitions

Songs for the 18th - 19th August Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 11th - 12th August Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“What I Like About You” – The Romantics
The upbeat jam will get you on your feet.

“We’ll Be Coming Back” – Calvin Harris
The perfect song to blast while driving home from the feis.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 25th – 26th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to New York this weekend for the East Durham Feis or Wyoming for the Cowboy State Feis? How about Missouri for the St. Louis Gateway Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!  



“Everything All The Time” – Outfit
Wanna be everything—or at least a champ? Get ready with this energy-inducing song.  

“Sail” – AWOLNATION
Sail through the day by stretching to this tune.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 18th - 19th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 11th - 12th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 3rd - 4th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Save The World” – Swedish House Mafia
And show the world how amazing of a dancer you are this weekend!  

“Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Not impressed with your dancing results for the day? Pick yourself up and play this.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 18th – 19th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Ontario this weekend for Feis Baile Na Ros or New York for the Southern Tier Feis? How about Michigan for the Great Lakes Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!


“Summertime in Ireland” – Daniel O’Donnell
It will be a lovely day for sure after listening to this sunny tune.

“Ireland for the Summer” – Matt Keane
Forget about hearing the music in Ireland! Get ready to listen to it all day at the feis.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 11th - 12th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 3rd - 4th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 28th - 29th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Song for Ireland” – Mary Black
This soothing song is perfect to stretch to.

“Summer in Dublin” – Bagatelle
Wind down on the ride home with this mellow beat.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 11th – 12th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Atlantic City this weekend for the Lynn Academy Feis or Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Feis and McMenamin Academy Feis? How about New York for the Feis at the Falls or California for the Comortas an Chosta Oir? Massachusetts for the McInerney School Feis? Or maybe Delaware for the Irish Culture Club of Delaware Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!

“Lido Shuffle” – Boz Scaggs
The beat will get your feet ready to shuffle, er treble.  

“Left Too Late” – Florrie
A perfect song to stretch to.
 

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 3rd - 4th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 28th - 29th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 21st - 22nd Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Lonely Boy” – The Black Keys
You’ll never be lonely when there’s music to dance to.  

“Time Stand Still” – Rush
Take a minute to look around and absorb all the awesome energy at the feis.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Championship training for Irish dancers - tips from teachers on Oireachtas Part 1

Fine-tuning your Oireachtas Steps Part 1
by Courtney Kaderbek for Feis America LLC

For many Irish dancers, summer is when regional Irish dancing championship training becomes serious. School is out, and there is more time to practice and perfect those Oireachtas steps. Sometimes the hardest part about practicing is not understanding how to practice to your best advantage. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling as if no progress has been made in your dancing, even after a long time spent practicing. 

To help Irish dancers out there who are preparing for the Oireachtas, or any other dancing goal, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Moran, TCRG, founder and director of the Nashville Irish Step Dancers and an amazing and knowledgeable teacher! Ms. Moran has trained numerous dancers to reach their highest potential. Her students have won the Southern Region Oireachtas in both team and solo dancing, have placed in the top ten at Nationals and All-Irelands, and have qualified and placed at Worlds. Beyond a doubt, Ms. Moran can tell dancers everywhere just what it takes to dance like an Oireachtas champion!

Mary Moran, TCRG
Nashville Irish Step Dancers
Photo courtesy Nashville Irish Step Dancers

In this first part of my interview, the Irish dance instructor gives some helpful tips to improve softshoe technique and stamina. Softshoe dancing and hardshoe dancing can both be tiring; however, they use different kinds of stamina.

Feis America:  What are your suggestions for improving softshoe stamina, so that the first and last steps of a softshoe dance are equally powerful and energetic?

Moran:  For a warm-up alternate: a minute of hops, then a minute of plyometrics, a minute of hops, then a minute of jumping rope, a minute of hops, then a minute of jumping jacks and power jacks, a minute of hops, then a minute of jumping drills, a minute of hops, and then a minute of froggie-jumps. You are alternating five minutes of hops, with full lifting, to five minutes of jumping drills for springing…it works your stamina and teaches you to spring off the ground continually.

I would also recommend dancing the third step of your reel four times in a row for stamina. When you are dancing three steps in a row, your stamina usually leaves in the third step. By running that third step four times in a row, you train that last step to be your strongest.

World Irish Dancing medalist Lockie Nidds practicing leapovers on vacation.
Photo: Heidi Hamerman Nidds

Feis America:  Leaps are one of the most common moves in softshoe dancing, but they are tricky and can take a long time to perfect. What is your advice for dancers striving to develop the perfect leap?

Moran: There are four elements for me: First, momentum into the run. Second, launch into the ‘over’: up, locked, and with power. Third, form or perfect technique: locked, separated legs; squeezed toes; hang-time. Fourth, follow through out of the ‘over’ and extend into the next movement.

Feis America: With lots of challenging aerial movements, softshoe dancing requires a strong upper body capable of holding itself upright throughout the entire dance. Unfortunately, many times the upper body is neglected as dancers work to achieve perfection solely in their legs. What are your suggestions for improving strength and technique in a dancer’s upper body?

Moran: For upper body strength, work your core on a daily basis with pilates, sit-ups, planks, push-ups, and yoga. A strong core is key to controlling upper body problems.

Feis America: For many dancers, the Oireachtas is the big finale of a long year of intense training. What is your advice for dealing for the stress and nerves that comes hand-in-hand with a big competition like the Oireachtas?

Moran: The hardest obstacle to overcome is the “mental” aspect of the pressure dancers put on themselves when competing at a big competition. So much is at stake…they have worked hard for months to be judged on a few minutes of dancing. There are no second chances, and you have to deliver it strong the first time. It’s a lot of pressure. The most important thing is to focus and relax. It’s the hardest thing to do when you are feeling so much pressure, but by breathing and relaxing, it allows you to dance your best instead of tensing up. When you worry, it drains all your energy and holds you back from dancing your best. If you have done the work, you have nothing to worry about. Let go of the variables out of your control and just focus on what you can control: your own dancing. Have a set routine of what you do the night before and the morning of: do breathing exercises to physically make your body relax, say a prayer, and just do your personal best.

Feis America: Thank you so much! Your advice and expertise will be greatly appreciated by many Irish dancers!

Follow our Oireachtas Training series, and check back soon for the second half of this interview with Ms. Moran to get great tips on how to improve your reel or slip jig steps in time for the Oireachtas!

Songs for the 3rd – 4th August Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Ohio this weekend for the Columbus Feis or Georgia for the Historic Savannah Feis? How about New York for the Catskill Feis or Long Island Feis? Arizona for the Arizona State Championships or Iowa for the Two Rivers Feile?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!

  
“Intro” – The xx
Consider it your intro to the day.


“Blood Is Pumpin’” – Voodoo & Serano
Pump this out for an instant energy boost.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 28th - 29th Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 21st - 22nd Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 14th - 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Good People” – Jack Johnson
Play this and be thankful for all those cheering you on during competition.  

“Too Close” – Alex Clare
This song will put you in the fighting mood for first place.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Doherty Senior Ladies Ceili are British National Irish Dancing Champions - Team Results

The Doherty School of Irish Dance from the Midlands region, England/Wales claimed another 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championship title Sunday with its World Champion Senior Ladies' Ceili team.  This was the fourth 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championship title for the school, with Champions Nadine Martin in Senior Ladies, Boys under 12 Sam Goldsmith and Boys under 16 Macaulay Selwood topping their event's podiums earlier on the weekend.

Scoil Rince Céim Óir Senior Mixed Ceili Team
2012 British National Irish Dancing Champions
Pictured Hilary Joyce Owens, Emma Tynan, Conor Ryan, Roisin Blaise and Cianan Bates,
Collette Mullarkey, Joshua Ruddock, Sarah Cooney-Nutley and Jan Gaca.Photo courtesy Karen Mohan

Scoil Rince Céim Óir from Southern region, England, claimed 4 of 6 team titles, placing third in the Senior Ladies' Ceili competition.  Kidd School, from Midlands region, England/Wales, placed second in Senior Ladies Ceili and won the Girls under 12 Ceili championship.

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Read more:

Nadine Martin and Jan Gaca top podiums at British National Irish Dancing Championships

New York-based O'Rourke adult Irish dancers feel like a family

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Scoil Rince Céim Óir  Girls Ceili under 10 Team
2012 British National Irish Dancing Champions
Photo courtesy Hilary Joyce Owens, TCRG, ADCRG

2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships

Top Three Team Results

Senior Ladies' Ceili
1st Doherty:  Midlands, England/Wales
2nd Kidd:  Midlands, England/Wales
3rd Ceim Oir:  Southern, England

Senior Mixed Ceili
1st Ceim Oir
Girls Ceili under 18
1st Ceim Oir: Southern, England
2nd Kelley O'Boyle:  Southern, England
3rd Matthews:  Midlands, England/Wales

Girls Ceili under 15
1st Ceim Oir:  Southern, England
2nd Kidd:  Midlands, England/Wales
3rd Burke: North West, England

Girls Ceili under 12
1st  Kidd:  Midlands, England/Wales
2nd Kenny:  Midlands, England/Wales
3rd Robson:  North East, England

Girls Ceili under 10
1st Ceim Oir- Southern Region, England
2nd Kelly Hendry- North East Region, England
3rd Marion Flanagan- Southern Region, England

Congratulations to all the teams and schools who placed!

Nadine Martin and Jan Gaca top podiums at British National Irish Dancing Championships Saturday

Nadine Martin
2012 British National Irish Dancing Champion
Senior Ladies
Photo: Leanne Nelson

Doherty's Nadine Martin topped the podium for Senior Ladies at the British National Irish Dancing Championships, with renowned competitors Claire Greaney and Simona Mauriello placing second and third, respectively.  Martin placed second after the United States' Olivia Griffin in the Ladies 20 and Over at both the World Irish Dancing Championships and the recent North American National Irish Dancing Championships.  This was Martin's first time competing in the Senior Ladies category.  She is from the Midlands region, England/Wales.


Senior Ladies Top 10
Champion Nadine Martin  Doherty:  Midlands, England
2 Claire Greaney  Hession:  Connaught, Ireland
3 Simona Mauriello  Maguire-O'Shea:  Southern, England
4 Siobhan Casey  Doherty:  Midlands, England/Wales
5 Jodie Osborne  Montgomery Taylor:  Scotland
6 Lauren Hawes  Cullen:  Southern, England
7 Victoria Thorniley  Kelly Hendry:  North East, England
8  Mandy Stevenson  Montgomery Taylor:  Scotland
9 Laura Wilson  McInerney:  Midlands, England/Wales
10 Aileen Brady  Kidd:  Midlands, England/Wales
10 Erin Campbell  McLaughlin:  Scotland

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Read more:

British National Irish Dancing Championships - Friday results

North America's Claire Gallibois win British Nationals Thursday

Middle America females dominate four North American Irish Dancing Championships
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Jan Gaca - 2012 British National Irish Dancing Champion
pictured here in 2nd place at World Irish Dancing Championship
Photo by Caitlin Holland

Jan Gaca, the 2012 All Ireland Irish Dancing Champion, is also the 2012 Senior Men's British National Irish Dancing Champion.  Gaca dances with Ceim Oir in Southern England and placed second at the World Irish Dancing Championships after the United States' Michael Holland.


Senior Men Top 10
Champion Jan Gaca  Ceim Oir:  Southern, England
2 Sam Davies  Ui She:  Leicester, Ireland
3 Conor Kennedy  Kenny:  Midlands, England/Wales
4  Eamonn Sweeney  Morgan:  North West, England
5  David Chaplin  Sean Eireann McMahon:  Midlands, England/Wales
6  Liam George  Doherty:  Ulster, Ireland
7  David Bassett  Blair McCarthy:  Southern, England
8 Kevin Mills  Aaron Crosbie: Southern, England
9 Tom Crossley  Griffin Lynch:  Southern, England
10  Jonathan Daddo  Cullen:  Southern, England


Congratulations to the champions and to all the dancers who are competing this weekend everywhere!



Follow the live commentary by our friend Leanne Nelson at Reel Photo Company http://www.reelphotocompany.info/107679845 here and check back here daily on the Go Feis! Irish Dance Blog for more articles, results and news about the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships!

World Irish Dancing Champions are crowned British National Irish Dancing Champions - Friday results

Jack Quinn
2012 All-Ireland, World and British National Irish Dancing Champion
Boys under 14
Photo courtesy Alanna Lynch

It is not a surprise that two of the 2012 World and All Ireland Irish Dancing champions topped the podiums in their competitions at the British National Irish Dancing Championships today.  Jack Quinn, who dances with Ui She in the Leicester region of Ireland, is a three-time World Irish Dancing Champion and has held the All Ireland Irish Dancing Champion title since 2010.  He also won the 2011 Great Britain Irish Dancing Championship.  He is now also the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Champion for Boys under 14.

Ruari McCabe, who won the Boys under 11 event today, is from Morgan in the North West region of England.  Like Quinn, McCabe is also the 2012 World and the defending All Ireland Irish Dancing Champion since 2011, the first year he was eligible to compete in that major competition.

The following are the Top 10 results for the Girls and Boys under 14 and Girls and Boys under 11 from Friday's competitions.


Girls under 14 Top 10
Champion Jessica Everitt  Sean Eireann McMahon:  Midlands, England/Wales
2 Cyra Taylor  McConomy Bradley:  Ulster, Ireland
3 Rohan Bole  Caroline Greene:  Scotland
4 Leah Pinnegar-Biddlecombe  Aaron Crosbie:  Southern, England
5 Ciara Loughran  King:  Northwest, England
6 Aiofe Griffin  Marion Flanagan:  Southern, England
7 Nina Rawlings  Burke:  Northwest, England
8 Jessica Pavier  Inis Cara:  Midlands, England/Wales
9 Olivia Lennon  Kenny:  Midlands, England/Wales
10 Rebekah Bell  Ard Rialla O'Donoghue:  Leicester, Ireland

Boys under 14 Top 10
Champion Jack Quinn  Ui She:  Leicester, Ireland
2 Curtis Long  Doherty:  Ulster, Ireland
3 Conor Rodgers  Doherty: Ulster, Ireland
4 Ryan McCrory  Doherty:  Ulster, England
5 Conor Norton  Aaron Crosbie:  Southern, England
6 Nathan McGhee  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
7 Patrick McKenna  Morgan:  Northwest, England
8 Tim Allcock  Brooks: Southern, England
9 Rory Blanche  Trainor:  Southern, England
10 Connor Purdy  Inis Cara:  Midlands, England/Wales

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Read more:

Jack Quinn defends his title as World Irish Dancing Champion again

Songs for the July 28-29 Irish dance competitions road trips

Olympic secrets Irish dancers can use for performance
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Girls under 11 Top 10
Champion Emma Casey  McConomy:  Ulster, Ireland
2 Nicole McConway  McConomy Bradley:  Ulster, Ireland
3 Clodagh Davis  Carson:  England
4 Eimear Fahy  McDonagh-Byrne:  Connaught, Ireland
5 Shauna Johnston  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
6 Rubie Caulfield  Aaron Crosbie: Southern, England
7 Sarah McDowell  Ar Rialla O'Donoghue:  Leicester, Ireland
8 Chloe Devine  Mulvenna:  Ulster, Ireland
9 Olivia Allen  Claddagh:  Southern, England
10 Imogen Burridge  Brooks:  Southern, England

Boys under 11 Top 10
Champion Ruairi McCabe  Morgan: Northwest, England
2 Adam McGhee  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
3 Ciaran Coyle  Scanlon:  Midlands, England/Wales
4 Oliver Gething  Boyle O'Dowda:  Southern, England
5 Liam Starkie  Morgan:  Northwest, England
6 Devlin Brant  Ceim Oir:  Southern, England
7 Mikey Healey  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
8 Marshall Lally  McAteer:  Northwest, England
9 Sean Dillon  McAteer: Northwest, England
10 Louis Cuddy  Delaney: Southern, England



Congratulations to the champions and to all the dancers who are competing this weekend everywhere!

Follow the live commentary by our friend Leanne Nelson of Reel Photo Company and check back here daily on the Go Feis! Irish Dance Blog for more articles, results and news about the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships!

Songs for the 28th – 29th July Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to California this weekend for the Maitiu OMaoileidigh Southern CA Summer Feis or the Silicon Valley Feis? How about Maine for the Maine State Feis? Or Ontario for the St. Catharines Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!


“Stand” – Rascal Flatts
You’re a strong dancer—and athlete. This song will remind you of that.  

“With My Own Two Hands” – Ben Harper
You’ll move everyone with your own two (turned out!) feet this weekend.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 21st - 22nd Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 14th - 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 23rd - 24th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“You’re The Best” – Joe Esposito
Well you are, aren’t you?
 

“Jumping All Over The World” – Scooter
This will make you feel like the world champ you strive to be.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

British National Irish Dancing Championships - more Thursday results

Macaulay Selwood
pictured at Worlds 2012
photo: Nadine Martin

More Thursday results from 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships:

Macaulay Selwood from Doherty in the Midlands region of England/Wales topped the podium for Boys under 16 at the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships Thursday in Manchester, United Kingdom.  Mitchell Hodges, from Carey,  following his win of the North American Irish Dancing Championship in Chicago, Illinois earlier this month, placed second to Selwood,  Hodges placed second at both the All Ireland and World Irish Dancing Championships this year, with Selwood placing third at Worlds.  Sean Downes, from McCutcheon in Scotland, is the 2012 All Ireland and World Irish Dancing Champion for Boys under 16; he did not compete at the British National Irish Dancing Championships.

Patrick McGonigle from Carey, Midlands/Wales is the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Champion for Boys under 8 and Ella Owens from Ceim Oir in Southern England won the Girls under 8 competition.


Boys under 16 (Full results, 11 placements)
Champion Macauley Selwood  Doherty:  Midlands, England/Wales
2 Mitchell Hodges  Carey:  Midlands, England/Wales
3 Fergus Fitzpatrick  Ui She:  Leicester, Ireland
4 Paul McCabe  Montgomer Taylor:  Scotland
5 Niall Forrest  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
6  Liam Forrest  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
7 Daniel Bolger  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
8 Liam Riggall  Hennigan O'Loughlin:  Southern, England
9 Callum Sullivan  Cullen:  Southern, England
10 Denzel Manuel  Kilkenny:  Netherlands
11 Liam Healy  Ceim Oir:  Southern, England

Boys under 8 (full results, 4 placements)
Champion Patrick McGonigle - Carey  Midlands, England/Wales
2 Aidan Watson  Turley:  Midlands, England/Wales
3 Benjamin Hughes-Strange  Alexander Strange:  Northwest, England
4 Michael Dillon  McAteer:  Northwest, England

Girls under 8 (Top 10 results)
Champion Ella Owens - Ceim Oir  Southern, England
2 Sophie Duffy  Smith McCarron:  Ulster, Ireland
3 Caoimhe Devlin  McConomy Bradley: Ulster, Ireland
4 Lexi-Leigh Hutchinson  Kidd:  Midlands, England/Wales
5 Emily Colangelo  McCafferty:  Ulster, Ireland
6 Tegan McConomy  McConomy:  Ulster, Ireland
7 Lily Devaney Fisher  Inis Cara:  Midlands, England/Wales
8 Catherine Tolan  Ui She:  Leicester, Ireland
9 Leigh Murphy  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
10 Gemma Sheedy  Flynn O'Kane:  Munster, Ireland

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Read more:

Thursday partial results from British National Irish Dancing Championships

Eastern Canada's Claire Gallibois clinches British National Championship

North American Irish Dancing Championships - dance drama review part 4

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Congratulations to the champions and to all the dancers who are competing this weekend everywhere!

Follow the live commentary by our friend Leanne Nelson here and check back here daily on the Go Feis! Irish Dance Blog for more articles, results and news about the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships!

North America's Claire Gallibois Clinches British National Irish Dancing Championship - Thursday Results

Claire Gallibois
photo Deirdre Gallibois

Thursday was the first day of the British National Irish Dancing Championships, and a total of five competitions took place at the Royal Northern College of Music. Claire Gallibois, who dances with Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Irish Dance of Eastern Canada, clinched the Girls under 16 British National Irish Dancing Championship Thursday in Manchester, United Kingdom.  This year marks the 25th anniversary of the British National Irish Dancing Championships.

Gallibois, who placed third at the 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships held earlier this month in Chicago, placed 6th at the All Ireland Irish Dancing Championships and 11th at the World Irish Dancing Championships.  Gallibois elevated her performance from  her 11th and 15th placements, respectively at the 2011 All Ireland and World Irish Dancing Championships.  Due to an association with an adjudicator, Butler-Fearon-O'Connor dancers were not able to compete at the 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships.

Gallibois is also a two-time Eastern Canada Regional Irish Dancing Champion, having won in both 2010 in Girls under 14 and 2011 in Girls under 15.


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Read more:

Thursday results from 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships

World Irish Dancing Champion Kelly clinches Irish National Dancing Championship Title

Middle America dominates male North American Irish Dancing Championships
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The Girls under 10 Champion for 2012 is Aeisha Coyle who dances with McConomy Bradley in the Ulster Region of Ireland.  Coyle, the 2012 All Ireland Irish Dancing Champion also placed second in the 2011 Irish National Irish Dancing Championships.  The 2012 Boys under 10 Champion is George Semple from the Turley School in Midlands Region of England/Wales.

Roisin Naughton
photo courtesy Irish Dance Madness

Roisin Naughton from Coleman Academy in the Connaught Region of Ireland is the Girls under 13 Champion.  Naughton placed second at the 2011 British National Irish Dancing Championships in Girls under 12, as well as at both the 2012 All Ireland and World Irish Dancing Championships in Girls under 13.

Gerard Byrne, the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Champion for Boys under 13, dances with McNelis Cunningham in the Ulster Region of Ireland, is the 2012 All Ireland Irish Dancing Champion.  Byrne placed second at the 2012 World Irish Dancing Championships after John Whitehurst who reclaimed that title after his loss to Byrne in 2011.  Whitehurst took second place in the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships.

Congratulations to all the dancers, and special congratulations to Feis America's friend Claire Gallibois and her family!

For more Thursday results, see the Go Feis! Irish Dance Blog post here.

Thursday top 10 results for British National Irish Dancing Championships

Aesha Coyle, Girls under 10 British National Irish Dancing Champion
photo courtesy The Missing Page

2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships

Thursday Top 10 Results

Girls under 10
Champion Aeisha Coyle  McConomy Bradley:  Ulster, Ireland
2 Siobhan Phelan  Flynn O'Kane:  Munster, Ireland
3 Holly Gaffney-Duffy  GDM:  Northwest, England
4 Molly McAdam  Kelly Hendry:  Northeast, England
5 Olivia McMahon  Osborne:  Scotland
6 Emma Jennings:  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
7 Cianna Conway  Carey:  Midlands, England/Wales
8 Katie Peacock  Doherty:  Ulster, Ireland
9 Caitlin Flanagan  Scanlon:  Midlands, England/Wales
10 Clodagh Wall  Glendarragh:  Midlands, England/Wales

Boys under 10  Full Result (9 placements) 
Champion George Semple  Turley:  Midlands, England/Wales
2 Joe Flanagan  Scanlon:  Midlands, England/Wales
3 Callum O'Neill  O'Kenny:  Midlands, England/Wales
4 Matthew Sellers  Joyce-O'Donnell:  Northwest, England
5 Thomas Colangelo  McCafferty:  Ulster, Ireland
6 Ronan O'Connell  Hession:  Connaught, Ireland
7 Austin Semple  Sweeney McAvinchey:  Germany
8 Mack Copsley  Claddagh:  Southern, England
9 Ewan McCarthy  Carey: Midlands  England/Wales

Girls under 13
Champion Roisin Naughton  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
2 Olivia Drury  Claddagh:  Southern, England
3 Brogan McCay  McConomy Bradley:  Ulster, Ireland
4 Alannah Lynch  Ui She:  Leicester, Ireland
5 Ciara Stuart  Montgomery Taylor: Scotland
6 Gavina Zuccarello  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
7 Abigail Monaghan  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
8 Laura Cotton  McNelis Cunningham:  Ulster, Ireland
9 Ellena Nsajja  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
10 Makenzie Fletcher  Morgan:  North West, England

Gerard Byrne, Boys under 13 British National Irish Dancing Champion
Photo Feis America LLC

Boys under 13  Full Result (9 placements)
Champion Gerard Byrne  McNelis Cunningham:  Ulster, Ireland
2  John Whitehurst  Carey:  Midlands, England/Wales
3  Jack Roberts  Inis Cara:  Midlands, England/Wales
4  Thomas Shilling  Hennigan O'Loughlin:  Southern, England
5  Thomas Dunleavy  Coleman:  Connaught, Ireland
6  Lucas Dean  Maguire-O'Shea:  Southern, England
7  Felipe Moran Fereira  Murchu Duiginn:  Southern, England
8  Leon Westcott  Boyd: Southern, England
9  Josh Hope  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England

Girls under 16
Champion Claire Gallibois  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor:  Eastern Canada
2 Rachel Galligan  Lyons:  Ulster, Ireland
3 Aisling Reinhardt  Elaine Kavanagh:  Leicester, Ireland
4 Shannon Gleeson  Morgan:  Northwest, England
5 Saoirse Ni Machail  Aaron Crosbie:  Southern, England
6 Nicole Cadinot  Carey: Midlands, England/Wales
6 Ciara Dickson  Caroline Greene:  Scotland
8 Megan Power  McGahan Lees:  Southern, England
10 Amy Lahiff  Maguire-O'Shea:  Southern, England
10 Keelie Blanche  Trainor:  Southern, England

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Read more:


North America's Claire Gallibois clinches Girls under 16 British National title

United States Olympic gymnasts share performance secrets

New England claims four team titles in North American Irish Dancing Championships
------------

Congratulations to all the competitors, especially those who placed.

Stay tuned right here on Go Feis! The Irish Dance Blog for more photos and results from the 2012 British National Irish Dancing Championships!

Olympic athletes share performance secrets Irish dancers can use

by Caitlin Buck, Feis America LLC Contributor

The 2012 Summer Olympics kick off its opening ceremony July 27th in London, England! Who’s excited? Millions of course! Yahoo Sports has been posting clips of a select few of the United States of America's awesome athletes preparing for battle– I mean competitions (I have The Hunger Games on the brain!). By clicking play on the videos below, you too can be privy to a couple of secrets to success that gymnasts Jonathan Horton and Aly Raisman use... secrets that Irish dancers can very easily incorporate into their training for an extra boost. After all it’s that extra boost that can make all the difference.

Jonathan Horton, U.S.A. Gymnastics Team
2012 Summer Olympics 

Jonathan Horton Clip 

Now just think of those cute little bottles of honey they sell at the grocery store! Got a good mental picture? Those petite bottles shaped like adorable friendly bears grinning away? Nice and easy to throw into a pocket in your dance bag (pop it into a sealed Ziploc bag to be safe). So when you feel your blood sugar could use a boost, just throw back your head and squirt in some honey Horton-style! It might sound a little gross, and if your thinking "Mmmm honey by itself? Pass!" Well, I have to tell you as someone who has tried it: Friends, it really works! In about a minute, I felt a noticed lift in my energy and mood. So ditch the bag of Starbursts or chocolate bar and give all-natural honey a try! 

Aly Raisman, U.S.A. Gymnastics Team
2012 Summer Olympics

Aly Raisman Clip

Well, who really turns down chocolate milk? Unless your lactose-intolerant, chocolate milk is a great way to keep up your energy in-between rounds at an Irish dancing competition and there are alternatives for dairy as well. After your hard shoe round, take a breather and a swig of refreshing chocolate milk before soft shoe. It will keep your energy level stable with that nice little combo of protein and sugar without weighing you down like a power bar would. Think of it as liquid fuel. Much better for you than an energy drink which can give you the shakes and make your heart race.

Sometimes that little extra, seemingly-magical something can make all the difference between a competitive Irish dancer having an on or off day. SO much depends on energy level and blood sugar, especially when adrenaline is high and nerves are jumpy. Try out honey before you dance and chocolate milk in between rounds. You might just notice you dance better than ever before. After all if it’s good enough for Olympic athletes, it’s definitely worth a shot!

Check back with us here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more tips for improved performance for competitive Irish dancers; stories, results, photos all here on IrishCentral!  Share your advice, experience or hopes for our U.S. Olympic athletes this summer in the Comment Box below.

Songs for the 21st – 22nd July Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Wisconsin this weekend for the Badger State Feis or the Cream City Feis? How about Washington for Dance for Life or New York for the Governor Thomas Dongan Feis? Or maybe you’re off to Virginia for the Nation's Capital Feis.

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!
  
“Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” – The Tams
Play this for a cheerful ride to the feis.
 

“Burning Down The House” – Talking Heads
Picture taking the house down with your amazing steps when listening to this.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 14th - 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 23rd - 24th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 16th - 17th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Lollipop” – MIKA
Nothing will get you down after blasting this tune.  

“Gonna Get Over You” – Sara Bareilles
Went off time? Didn’t dance how you wanted? You’ll be alright.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

Songs for the 14th – 15th July Irish Dancing Competitions – VIDEOS

by PATRICIA MCNAMARA

Heading to Ohio this weekend for the Clann na nGael Summer Feis or New York for Feis Rochester? How about Littleton, Colorado for the Colorado Irish Festival Feis or Stony Point, New York for the Rockland County Feis?

No matter your competitive destination this weekend, we want to share four tunes you should add to your own playlist before lacing up and taking the stage. Best of luck to all competitors. And be sure to come back here and share your results!


“Lights” – Ellie Goulding
It will make you feel a little stronger before jumping on stage.  

“Nights Like This” – Icona Pop
Grab your feis friends and play this. Savor every dancing moment you have with them.  

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READ MORE:
Songs for the 23rd - 24th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 16th - 17th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS

Songs for the 8th - 10th June Irish Dancing Competitions - VIDEOS
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“Don’t Upset The Rhythm” – Noisettes
It’s all up to you to keep that rhythm on stage.

“Miura” – Metro Area
Perfect stretching music, while still keeping you energized.  

Like us on Facebook, comment in the box below, Tweet this post to your friends or follow us here on Irish Central's Irish dance page! Feis America LLC is the world's most respected media feed for Irish dance!

New England claims four North American Irish Dancing Championship team trophies

Harney Academy Mixed Ceili under 9 team are
2012 North American Irish Dancing Champions.
Pictured with TCRG Sara Ann McLaughlin Flaherty and Liam Harney TCRG, ADCRG
Photo: Wendy Mullane

After winning thirteen of the twenty-seven New England Regional Irish dancing team championships last November, Harney Academy Irish dancers were expected to shine on the team stages at the North American Irish Dancing Championships in Chicago Thursday.  To Harney Academy fans' delight, the school claimed three of the ceili team top prizes: Girls Ceili under 9, Girls Ceili under 13, and Mixed Ceili under 9.

Gilleóghan Irish Dance 16 & Over Mixed Ceili Team
are 2012 North American Irish Dancing Champions.
Pictured with TCRGs, ADCRGs Terry Gillan, Philip Owens and Patsy McLoughlin
Photo Sheila Cardell

Also from New England, Gilleóghan Irish Dance of Connecticut won the 16 & Over Mixed Ceili national championship; Harney Academy's 16 & Over Mixed Ceili team placed second.


--------------
Read more:
New England Regional Championships
2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships Recap Part 3
Celtic Steps Ramp up for North American Nationals
--------------

The Mid-America team dancers fared well also, with Cashel-Dennehy's ceili teams defending their 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championship titles for both the under 16 and 16 & Over Girls Ceili competitions.  Lavin-Cassidy clinched first place for Girls Ceili under 11 and Tim O'Hare's Mixed Ceili under 11 team was at the top of that event's podium.  From Chicago, Mullane-Healy-Godley's Girls Choreography under 11 team won the North American Irish Dancing Championship.

Two Mid-Atlantic teams from Broesler and Peter Smith, respectively, won the under 13 and under 16 Mixed Ceili team championships.

Celtic Steps Choreography Teams won three
North American Irish Dancing Championships.
Photo Maeve Heitman

From the Western United States, Celtic Steps thrilled the crowds as anticipated with its amazing choreography performances.   The teams from Colorado defended all three of their 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championship titles for Choreography under 13, under 16 and 16 & Over.

Watters School of Irish Dance from Florida produced and performed the North American Irish Dancing Champion Dance Drama and the Ladies Adult Ceili team from Toal in Western Canada won its event.

It was an exciting day with thousands of dancers, families, teachers and fans, who all enjoyed the expert live music played by some of the world's finest feis musicians.


Congratulations to all the competitors, especially the champions!


Full results are available here.  Check back here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more North American Irish Dancing Championship recaps, photos, interviews and results!

Mid-America region dominates male North American Irish Dancing Championships VIDEO

Three-time North American Irish Dancing Champion
Drew Lovejoy from McGing School of Irish Dance with his mom Andee Goldberg
photo: Andee Goldberg

The Mid-America Region of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America dominated the male Irish dancing solo championships in Chicago last week.  Dancers from Irish dancing schools in the Mid-America Region, which is made up of thirteen states and Western Pennsylvania, claimed six of thirteen male titles.  Of the six, two Mid-Americans defended the North American Championships for their age groups for the third time:  Drew Lovejoy from McGing School of Irish Dance from Ohio and Collin Mountain from The Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance.

Three-time North American Irish Dancing Champion Collin Mountain
from Richens/Timm Academy with his sister Caitlyn Mountain
photo: Micaela Mountain

Also from the Mid-America region, Michael Putman from the Dennehy School of Irish Dance, topped the podium for Men under 20, in what the audiences viewed as an outstanding competition among friendly rivals who have grown up together in international tournaments.  

Three of the youngest age groups' championships were also won by Mid-Americans.  Conal Mulhern O'Kane from the Mulhern School of Irish Dance and Tadgh Spillane from Lavin-Cassidy School of Irish Dance, won the Boys under 12 and Boys under 11 events, and Declan Mangan from Leneghan Academy of Irish Dance won Boys under 9.

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Read more:


Mid-Atlantic region dominates female North American Irish Dancing Championships

4th of July patriotism in Chicago for North American Irish Dancing Championships

Recap of the 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championships Part 3
---------------------

The Mid-Atlantic Region, comprised of the states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Eastern Pennsylvania clinched four male titles, in addition to the seven female North American Irish Dancing Championships this year.  Two of the 2012 titles were defended by North American champions Owen Luebbers from the Broesler School of Irish Dance and Sean Crosby from Hagen Irish Dance.  Jonathan Detullio from Petri School of Irish Dance and Daniel Callanan from Lynn Academy of Irish Dance also claimed North American championships.

From the Western United States, Blaine Donovan from Celtic Steps topped the podium for Men 20 & Over in another exciting competition among international rivals and friends.  Brian Perry-Carrera won the Boys under 18 event, hailing from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor in California.

Top 5 Boys under 16
2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships
Photo: Heidi Hamerman Nidds

Mitchell Hodges from Carey Academy in Midlands, England/Wales, defended his 2011 North American Irish Dancing Championship.  Hodges success follows second placements at both the 2012 World and All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships earlier this year.

View Thursday's Parade of Champions here:

North American Irish Dancing Championships for Boys/Men

Men 20 & Over Blaine Donovan: Celtic Steps Western USA
Men under 20 Michael Putman: Dennehy Mid-America USA
Boys under 18 Brian Perry-Carrera: Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western USA
Boys under 17 Drew Lovejoy: McGing Mid-America USA
Boys under 16 Mitchell Hodges: Carey Midlands England/Wales
Boys under 15 Jonathan Detullio: Petri Mid-Atlantic USA
Boys under 14 Owen Luebbers: Broesler Mid-Atlantic USA
Boys under 13 Sean Crosby: Hagen Mid-Atlantic USA
Boys under 12 Conal Mulhern O'Kane: Mulhern Mid-America USA
Boys under 11 Tadgh Spillane: Lavin-Cassidy Mid-America USA
Boys under 10 Collin Mountain: Richens/Timm Mid-America USA
Boys under 9 Declan Mangan: Leneghan Mid-America USA
Boys under 8 Daniel Callanan: Lynn Mid-Atlantic USA

Congratulations to all the competitors, especially the champions!

Full results are available here.  Check back here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more North American Irish Dancing Championship recaps, photos, interviews and results!

Mid-Atlantic region dominates female North American Irish Dancing Championships in Chicago

Girls under 17B awards podium with Sarah Oldam from Peter Smith School
Defending 2012 North American Irish Dancing Champion
Photo: Ciara McGovern

The 2012 North American Irish Dancing Championships concluded Saturday evening with awards for three of the largest age groups 'solo competitions.  Starting Monday, July 2nd, teachers from the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America gathered for its annual convention which was followed by five long days of solo and team championship events.  More than 3,000 competitors vied for or defended North American titles in 30 individual and 14 team events.

Bridget Albrades, 2012 North American Champion Girls under 10B
Photo: Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance NY

Solo dancers from seven Mid-Atlantic Region Irish dance schools clinched the girls' championship for their age group, including defending champions Fiona Dargan, Sarah Oldam, Melanie Valdes and Gabriella Wood.  Bridget Albrades and Farran Dougherty, the 2010 North American Champions for Girls under 8 and under 9 respectively, reclaimed their titles, while first-time North American champion Sara Sam Zee Moi also topped the podium for Girls under 9A.

Fiona Dargan, 2012 North American Champion Girls under 15A
with Mary Kay Heneghan from Rince na Tiarna NY
Photo: Stacy Harrington Quinlan

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Read more:

2012 North American men champions and Parade of Champions - VIDEO

For the love of Irish dancing - competition builds character

Book review: Nora and the Irish Dresser
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Solo dancers from England/Wales and Ireland also claimed seven first-time North American girls' titles, with two going to McGahan Lees in the Southern Region of England.

Abigail Monaghan, 2012 North American Champion Girls under  13B
from McGahan Lees in Southern England
Photo: Feis America LLC

Corinne Gallibois was one of two dancers from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor in Eastern Canada who topped this year's podium, reclaiming her 2010 North American title after an association with an adjudicator prevented her from competing in the 2011 major.  Michaela Hinds, also Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Eastern Canada claimed her fourth North American championship, paralleling her four-time consecutive World Irish Dancing Championships.

Corinne Gallibois, 2012 North American Champion Ladies under 19A
and Michaela Hinds, 2012 North American Champion Girls under 17A
from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Eastern Canada
photo: Deirdre Gallibois

The Western U.S. region of Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western United States celebrated two North American champions with Ladies 20 & Over B champion Olivia Griffin and Girls under 15B champion Carley Reger.  Another Western U.S. region dancer, Amanda Probert, from Claddagh claimed the 
Girls under 15B title.

Olivia Griffin, 2012 North American Ladies 20 & Over B
and Carley Reger, 2012 North American Girls under 15B
from Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western U.S.
Photo: Feis America LLC

New Englanders Caroline Mega and Emily Stewart, and four Mid-Americans Moira Kramp, Maria Murphy, Orla Mullane Godley and Sydney Niewiedzial topped the North American podium for the first time.  The Southern United States celebrated its North American champion Miya Stefanick for Girls under 13A.

Girls and Ladies' Solo Championships

Ladies 20 & Over A  Siobhan Casey: Doherty  Midlands  England/Wales
Ladies 20 & Over B  Olivia Griffin: Butler-Fearon-O'Connor Western Region USA
Ladies u20  Gabriella Wood:  Petri Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Ladies u19A  Corinne Gallibois:  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor  Eastern Region Canada
Ladies u19B  Emily Stewart:  Scoil Rince Naomh Attracta  New England Region USA
Ladies u18A  Jessie Leach:  McGahan Lees  Southern Region  England
Ladies u18B  Caroline Mega:  Murray Academy  New England Region  USA
Girls u17A  Michaela Hinds:  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor  Eastern Region Canada
Girls u17B  Sarah Oldam:  Peter Smith Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u16A  Ellen Kennedy:  O'Connor  Connaught Region  Ireland
Girls u16B  Amanda Probert:  Claddagh  Western Region USA
Girls u15A  Fiona Dargan:  Rince na Tiarna  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u15B  Carley Reger:  Butler-Fearon-O'Connor  Western Region USA
Girls u14A  Moira Kramp:  Trinity  Mid-America Region USA
Girls u14B  Melanie Valdes:  Petri  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u13A  Miya Stefanick:  Maple  Southern Region USA
Girls u13B  Abigail Monaghan:  McGahan Lees  Southern Region England
Girls u12A  Rachel Cummins:  Linda Martyn  Connaught Region Ireland
Girls u12B  Orla Mullane-Godley:  Mullane Healy Godley  Mid-America  USA
Girls u11A  Farran Dougherty:  Broesler  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girils u11B  Sydney Niewiedzial:  Trinity  Mid-America Region USA
Girls u10A  Maria Murphy:  Mulhern  Mid-America Region USA
Girls u10B  Bridget Albrades:  Mulvihill-Lynch  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u9A    Sara Sam Zee Moi:  O'Rourke  Mid-Atlantic Region USA
Girls u9B    Erin McPolin:  Carey  Midlands  England/Wales
Girls u8      Shannon McHugh:  Duggan  Connaught Region Ireland


Congratulations to all the competitors, especially the champions!

Full results are available here.  Check back here on IrishCentral's Irish dance page for more North American Irish Dancing Championship recaps, photos, interviews and results!