Recently, Celtic Academy Irish Dancers Canada decided to honour students, both past and present, by investing in the Legacy Brick Campaign at the new Pryde Health and Wellness Centre in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) and also as a tribute to both the students and their families. “The Academy felt it important to honour students in perpetuity with the brick,” said Academy Owner/Director, Mary Foley.
Merra Brae Bell – for larger view, click on image
The Celtic Academy Irish dancers are getting ready to participate in the Canadian National competition in Toronto.
On Friday, November 21st, they were in the Plex to train before they head to the Nationals. For some, it will be the first opportunity to perform in a competitive setting in front of judges/adjudicators.
“There will be dancers from across Canada,” said Foley, “and the competition will be a very high level but I know our students are up for it.”
For more than 14 years, Academy dancers have performed Irish dance at the competitive level across Ontario, North America, the U.S., Scotland, the U.K. and Ireland.
The first class began in 2011 at the Plex boardroom in Port Elgin, a small space that could only accommodate ten students on a weekly basis. Within that first year, they outgrew the space and
moved to what was Maple Hall, the former Port Elgin United Church. As it evolved over the years, more moves had to made that included Legion Branch 340, local school gymnasiums and eventually a private studio.
Today, there are students, ages four to 16, from eight municipalities across Bruce County who take part both on a solo level and within teams and alumni, such as Mackenzie Hall, have represented Bruce County on the world stage.
Hall from Tiverton, was the first registered student of Celtic Academy at the age of 12. Following a seven-year career of competitive Irish dance, she retired to pursue her post-secondary education. “Mackenzie leaves a lasting legacy with her grace resilience and unwavering commitment to the Celtic Academy Irish Dance Canada,” says Academy owner/director, Mary Foley.
She goes on to say that the Academy mandate is to foster wellness in the dancers by providing training that enhances their physical, social and emotional skills with a focus on developing positive experiences.
“We are very excited about going to the Canadian Nationals,” adds Foley, as she directs the students in practice. “We have some amazing dancers who have been with for only a short while and who have really taken to the art.”
