Welcome to our new series, where you can get to know SRL’s staff better with some hand-picked recommendations! Next up is Devon—our Office Manager and New Student Concierge! 
 
Books: I love all books, but Margaret Atwood is my favorite writer (and Ada Limón is my favorite poet!) For younger reading levels Rick Riordan is my favorite and for teens, Rainbow Rowell. If you want a personal recommendation, tell me what you or your dancer is into and I’ll come up with something. I’m always excited to talk about books at any level!
 
TV Shows: I recommend The Great British Baking Show (or The Great British Bake Off in Britain!) to quite literally any person that asks. It is the most soothing, delightful program I have ever seen—so wholesome. Nothing like an American competition, but it is on American Netflix.
 
Coffeeshop: I LOVE Rebel Dog Coffee (they have locations in Farmington and Plainville) and I started going to Birdhouse Coffee in South Windsor on my way in to the studio on Saturday mornings—it’s the cutest!
 
Restaurant: I think about Bricco’s Nutella Pie on a near-daily basis and my last meal would be a cheeseburger from Plan B Burger Bar.
 
Favorite Quote: “Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
--Leonard Cohen, “Anthem"

Vacation (One Day!): I grew up in San Diego and can’t recommend it enough for a vacation. Balboa Park (and the beaches, of course) should be top on your list, and definitely, definitely Mexican food all day, every day. (Just make sure to get a California burrito while you’re there—they’re exclusively a San Diego thing and there’s French fries inside!)
 
Dessert: Go to any location of Taste by Spellbound and pick any dessert (there’s a few in the immediate area!) They’re all incredible.
 
Music: I used to not like Taylor Swift—no reason, just wasn’t really my thing. But it’s been months now and I can’t stop listening to folklore and evermore on repeat. I am now her biggest fan?
 
Important Thing to Learn: Be kind. You’re never going to regret being the bigger person, or taking the time to think about others.
 
First Job: Everyone should have to work in retail and food service before they’re allowed to be a customer. It really makes you appreciate how much work goes into your everyday experiences and have a newfound respect and kindness when interacting with people!
 
Gift to Give: If you can swing it, an experience over a thing every time. My go-to wedding gift is usually a cooking or dance class!

​Artist: Nan Lawson is an incredibly talented illustrator who takes pop culture and cult favorites an adds her own style to them. (I own Harry Potter and Salinger prints from her and they’re gorgeous. She only does limited runs, so check her out on Etsy!)
 
Cheesy Song That’s Actually Great: “Tiny Dancer,” Elton John (I mean, remember that scene in Almost Famous?)
 
Strange, But Delicious Food: Did you know you can make a float out of pretty much anything carbonated? Fruity-flavored seltzers with vanilla ice cream may sound weird, but it’s actually amazing!
 
Must See Natural Wonder: This is an obvious one, but when I saw the Grand Canyon I was completely stunned. Nothing does it justice—even being there in person it feels unreal. (And I wrote this before I realized I'd be posting it after so many of our dancers were at Nationals in Phoenix!)
 
Current Obsession: I was late to the party with this one and it’s the first video game I’ve ever played…but I love Animal Crossing. It’s essentially a digital dollhouse in the form of an island (though you have a house to decorate and an avatar to dress, too!)—low consequences, just arranging items and performing small tasks. It’s perfect for a type-A person to unwind.

CT Outdoor Activity: Hiking up to Hueblein Tower or reading in Hartford’s Elizabeth Park (the tulips come out in April and check in early/mid June for the roses--but there's beautiful flowers all summer!) Also love the West Hartford Reservoir for a run!
 
Advice for Dancers: Nothing happens overnight. Progress happens so slowly you won’t even see it and then all of a sudden…you’ve got it! You can’t see yourself growing taller day to day, but you are—you’re becoming a better dancer every day you practice, too!
 
Local Business: I just bought several pairs of earrings from Hannahbees Jewelry when she was selling them at Birdhouse Coffee. Lightweight and beautiful, 10/10 would recommend for all earring-wearers (and she does custom orders!)
 
Charities to Donate to: Did you know Dolly Parton doesn’t just help fund vaccine research, but is responsible for children receiving millions upon millions of books over the last 20 years? I’m a huge literacy proponent and think Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a truly worthy cause! Check it out!

​This post is part of a series. You can learn more about Devon here, in her Q&A, or read our last set of recommendations with Miss Courtney here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Tradition. Passion. Dedication.
 
Welcome to Scoil Rince Luimni, also known as SRL Irish Dance Academy! We’re a small, independently-owned Irish dance studio located in South Windsor, Connecticut and we’re so happy you’re here. A little about us:
 
SRL was founded in 2014 by Courtney Jay, TCRG after she finished her BA in Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. (In fact, that’s why we’re SRL—in Irish Gaelic Scoil (scull) is school, Rince (ring-ka) is dance, and Luimni (lim-nee) is Limerick!) Miss Courtney, as the dancers call her, has been an Irish dancer her whole life and has been teaching and mentoring younger dancers since she was 13. During her time in Limerick, Courtney trained at the Fleming-Ball School of Irish Dance, where she danced her way to 2 solo world medals, regional titles in solo and team championships, and top 10 at every international major competition. Before leaving Ireland, Courtney was certified by the CLRG (the largest and oldest governing body of Irish dance in the world) and then came home to Connecticut to create SRL!

​7 years later and SRL is a tight-knit community that instructs in the storied tradition of Irish dance for those as young as 2-years-old (check out Tiny Jig to learn more!) into adulthood (check out SRL After Dark to learn more!) We take this traditional art form and honor the artistic components while taking a modern approach to what has become a highly athletic discipline. We train our dancers to identify and work towards their own, personal goals—whether that be recreation, casual performances, or the competitive track. Our structured environment, supported by our knowledgeable instructors, focuses on the whole dancer: technique and whole-body conditioning to be sure, but also the promotion of healthy life skills (such as setting and achieving goals, teamwork, focus, and dedication.) In line with that, SRL offers mentoring opportunities at every turn—from class helpers to buddies at dancers’ first competitions and performances—and cultivates a spirit of support and community that’s really what Irish dance is all about!
 
Our small, but passionate staff is ready to help guide and encourage your dancer—whether they be just starting out or qualifying for Worlds—through structured lessons that optimize their opportunities to grow both as dancers and as people. While Irish dance has a long tradition (read more about its origins here!) and strong ties to Ireland’s national identity, you don’t need to be Irish to do Irish dance. As the Irish diaspora has spread across the world, Irish dance has become more than a traditional art form (though it retains those roots and music)—it’s a global community. All you need to join in is passion, dedication, and someone to teach you—and we’d love to help out!

SRL is registered with the CLRG, the Irish Dance Teachers of North America, and the New England Irish Dance Teachers. While classes run on a school year schedule from September to June (with every class available as in-person, online, or a hybrid model,) we have a special offer to let new dancers get a taste before they sign up in the fall! SRL’s Intro to Irish Dance Summer Camp sign-ups are now open for new dancers 2-12, with two sessions available at work-friendly drop off times for parents. Learn more about the program here, or feel free to reach out to our Office Manager, Devon, at 860-385-1107 or shoot her an email at [email protected]. She’s happy to help!
 
This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last 411 post, all about the benefits of Irish dance, here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Staff Recommendations: Courtney
 
Welcome to our new series, where you can get to know SRL’s staff better with some hand-picked recommendations! Next up is our Miss Courtney—director of SRL and an instructor at all levels! 
 
Irish Music Groups/Musicians: Goitse, Flook, Beoga, Kan, Socks in the Frying Pan, Damien O’Kane, We Banjo 3
 
Strange, But Delicious Food: Cucumbers with salt and vinegar. For all the times you really crave fish and chips!
 
Recipes: I love to cook and making new recipes so I get a HelloFresh box once/month to change up my diet and learn something new!
 
Take Out: Sushi or poke always! Mei Tzu for sushi and Pokemoto/Joy Bowl for poke.
 
Games: Monopoly for board games, Phase 10 for card games, and The Sims for computer games.
 
Small Business in Area: I have so many that I love! Gina’s Total Fitness is part of my daily routine and I love to go to Luann’s in Ellington any time I can.
 
Small Business Online: Cavology… for people like me who spend more on dog clothing and accessories than they do on themselves.

​Vacation (One Day!): There are so many! I love a beach trip so my ultimate favorites over the years have been Maui, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Honeymoon Island, and my childhood vacation spot Isle of Palms.
 
Restaurant: I love to eat good food so this will also be a long list – Abigail’s in Simsbury, @ the Corner in Litchfield, Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford, and my most recent find is OKO in Westport

Instagram Accounts: @zillowgonewild, @on_a_beach_somewhere, @swaggingtarget, @traderjoesobsessed

Dessert: Anything smores-related, Tiramisu, or a chocolatey cheesecake.
 
Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip. Secondary options are a good coffee ice cream or anything chocolatey.Outdoor Activity: Beach! You really won’t catch me outside much unless it’s a dog walk or beach day.
 
First Job: SRL! Fun fact I have never worked for anyone but myself (and I’m not sure I ever could!)

Irish Dance Social Media Accounts: @targettrainingdance, @tc_ad_life,@dancedpt,@davidgeaney94, @gardinerbrothers, @irishdancevids, @irishdancing_memes, @notirishdance

Gift to Give: Things that someone has expressed they like/want but don’t expect you to get for them.

Way to Spend a Sunday: Well, I used to spend every Sunday at a feis but COVID has given me time for the first time in almost my entire life to see what else one can do on the weekend! When the weather is nice, Chris and I like to take a day trip to a nice town and walk around with Maeve grabbing coffee and a trying a new restaurant. When it’s too cold, too hot, or too rainy – nothing beats making breakfast to rival a B&B at home and then spending the day watching a documentary or TV Series.

What to Take to a Desert Island: Oh I would never survive on a desert island…. I’m covering all my bases by bringing an RV, my phone, and my WiFi router.

Road Trip (One Day!): Mystic is always a fun day trip from the Hartford area. Water views, good food, ice cream by the drawbridge! A weekend trip I like is visiting Cape Cod.

Skill to Learn: There are so many skills I wish I learned in school but only learned them just in time to solve a crisis or survive adulthood (some are still a work in progress) – general handiness, financial literacy, car maintenance basics, and home improvement come to mind.
 
Tips for Productivity: Tackle the most important task of the day or the one you’re tempted to put off FIRST. You’ll feel lighter just by completing it and you know that even if you don’t accomplish anything else on your list that day, you’re still ahead by completing that one most important thing. Also, a to-do list/scheduled day.​
​
Coffeeshop: Luann’s in Ellington, Birdhouse Coffee in South Windsor, and GG & Joe’s in Westport.

Podcast: Gymcastic, School of Greatness, Entrepreneurs on Fire, Smart Passive Income, Almost 30, The Dream
 
Advice for Dancers: 1) Everyone has a natural weakness to overcome – your success comes down to your patience with yourself and commitment to working through your weaknesses and challenges. There is never an easy or quick road to success. 2) Use your resources – not only do you have access to classes and your teachers, you have feedback from judges, the ability to record your dances and reflect back on them, free exercises and stretches on YouTube & social media, and so much more!  
 
This post is part of a series. You can learn more about Miss Courtney here, in her Q&A, or read our last set of recommendations with Bailey here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to our new series, where you can get to know SRL’s staff better with some hand-picked recommendations! Next up is Bailey—associate instructor for all age groups!
 
Advice for Dancers: Every champion was once a beginner; you have to trust the process and acknowledge that success and progress take time. Also, always listen to your teachers, we want your success as much as you want it!
 
Books: The Harry Potter series (my favorite one is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince!)
 
Strange, But Delicious Food: I like ketchup with scrambled eggs or omelette ...I don't know if that’s weird?
 
Take Out: Chinese food is always a good idea, or Panera!
 
Instagram/Social Media Account: Feis App has a really inspiring Instagram page, as they post videos of very talented dancers!

​Favorite Brand of Dance Shoes: My hard shoes and ghillies are from Rutherford's! I also get my buckles and shoe laces from them as well.
 
Favorite Irish Dance Wigs: Camelia Rose wigs have been the best, I used to wear the Alliyah bun wig in a dark brown color.
 
Way to Spend a Sunday: In my pajamas, relaxing and watching TV with my cat, Elton.

​Music/Song: My favorite Irish dance song to listen to (it's on Feis App) is “Vibin Set, Reels 113” OR “Molly McAdam Set, Heavy Jig 73.” Any songs by Anton & Sully are always fun to practice to (also on Feis App.) My favorite non-Irish dance song would have to be “I'm Still Standing” by Elton John.

​Favorite Quote: "The hard days are what make you stronger." --Aly Raisman, Olympic Gymnast and gold medalist
 
Outdoor Activity: Skiing (in the winter) or hiking! 
 
Tips for Productivity: Turn off your phone, or any device that is distracting! Set aside a designated time and place to practice where you have no distractions. 30 minutes of uninterrupted practice time is much more beneficial than an hour filled with distractions.

 
Advice for Dancers #2: Never be afraid to take a day off. Dance is physically and mentally demanding, so taking time away to clear your head can be a good idea! I used to take 1-2 days completely off of dance per week to allow my body and mind to reset and refresh. 
 
This post is part of a series. You can learn more about Bailey here, in her Q&A, or read our last recommendation corner with Miss Codi here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to our new series, where you can get to know SRL’s staff better with some hand-picked recommendations! First up is Miss Codi--associate instructor for our younger students! 
 
Books: Twisted Fairy Tales. Seeing the different ways those could have gone is so interesting!
 
Food/Recipes: Our go-to is a pasta dish with lots of veggies and ground turkey. Recently we’ve been doing a meal kit, and I love the variety we eat now.
 
Take Out: Vegetarian sushi, especially if they have mochi for dessert!
 
Video Game: Hidden object video games are lots of fun. My husband and I put them up on the TV to play together, and see who can find the objects first.
 
Small Business in Area: Farr’s Sporting Goods. We went in to get disk golf discs, and were pleasantly surprised at how much of a selection they had.

​Must See Natural Wonder: Niagara Falls
 
Coffeeshop: Starbucks. I try to go to different local shops, but I keep coming back.
 
Restaurant: Carlito’s Bakery or Market on Main.
 
Dessert: Mochi or macarons!
 
Ice Cream Flavor: Cherry
 
Outdoor Activity: Disc Golf. Love the course at Wickham, but there are so many now, it’s great!

Board Game: Disney Sorry. Easy to talk around with friends, but still fun to play with everyone.
 
Vacation (One Day!): Disney World. I also would love to go on a train tour of Europe, but that’s a little farther out.
 
TV Shows: Currently WandaVision, but all of the new Disney+ content has been awesome. I loved The Mandalorian and am really excited for the Loki show (as well as the Boba Fett show!)
 
First Job: “Tour Guide” for 5 Wits. I got to spend my time leading Spy Missions and Guiding Tours through being trapped in the Nautilus.

Guilty Pleasure: McDonald’s Happy Meals. I try so hard to stay away from fast food, but if I’m going on a long drive I’m always tempted.

Pets: Two cats, Luna and Rowena. They are sisters and almost 5 years old, but still love to cuddle with each other! 
 
Tips for Productivity: Make a list so you have a visual representation of what needs to be done and you can see your progress. Tackle things in small pieces, so you don’t get overwhelmed. 
 
Advice for Dancers: Try to practice several times a week. Record yourself so you can see what you need to work on, instead of trying to fix it in the moment. 
 
Tips to Cheer Up: Go for a walk, cuddle with animals, or talk out the situation. Removing yourself from the situation by going for a walk helps to give some perspective, which is the same with talking it out. Cuddling with animals just gives you time to calm down.
 
This post is the first in a series. You can learn more about Miss Codi here, in her Q&A! Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Name: Christian Cairone TCRG
 
Position: Instructor
 
How long have you been working at SRL?
 
Almost 2 years.
 
Why SRL?
 
I loved the atmosphere that Courtney had created and wanted to be a part of the team.
 
How long have you been dancing?
 
I was a competitive dancer for 20 years, but I've been dancing since I was 3.
Why Irish dance?
 
My older brother saw Riverdance on TV and wanted to start doing it. I went to the first practice and was hooked. My teacher at the time didn't allow for children to dance at 2, so I would go to class and dance in the back of the room doing everything everyone was doing in class. My teacher let me start the following year and I haven't looked back!
 
What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? Why? 
 
I always wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals so much growing up.
 
What are you interested in that most people aren’t?
 
Star Wars and culinary arts.
 
What weird food combination do you enjoy?
 
As a chef I love many different flavor combos, but the strangest might just be: a piece of toast with peanut butter, topped with an over-easy egg. (Trust me, you need to try it!)
 
How has dance affected your everyday life?
 
Dance has given me the ability to have friends all around the world that share the same love and passion for Irish dance that I do.
 
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!)
 
The Azores, which is a subsection of islands off the coast of Portugal.
 
What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why?
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It was a story my grandfather would read to me all the time when I was a kid and whenever I watch it I always remember him and the different ways he would tell the story.
 
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? 
 
I would love to time travel! 
 
Why do you think people dance?
 
I believe there are many reasons behind why people dance, including because friends or family members did it in the past or currently do it now. But I think that some people dance for the same reason I did: for a way to escape reality from time to time. I remember going to the studio, totally forgetting about the outside world, and just living in the moment that was happening throughout dance class. 
 
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
 
The best advice I have is this: "Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving greatness."
 
This post is the last in the series (at least for now!) Meet our whole staff: Courtney, Bailey, Codi, Devon (and, of course, Christian, above,) through their Q&As. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

​Name: Devon
 
Position: Office Manager and Director of First Impressions
 
How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL?
 
I’m SRL’s newest employee and I’ve only been here 3 months (and even with all the 2020 challenges, it’s been great so far!) I was inspired to join the team because 1) I had previously worked for a large corporation and knew I’d rather be a part of something on a smaller, more personal scale—especially working with a young, female business owner! 2) I missed being in a dance studio so much, and 3) I was completely blown away by the community Courtney’s created here. While there’s still an emphasis on hard-work, and discipline, SRL feels so much more supportive than many other dance studios I’ve been in. (I also love getting to work on the blog and put my writing skills to good use!)
 
How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance?
 
First off: I’m the only person on staff who’s not an Irish dancer! While my mother’s side is certainly Irish, and many of my cousins did Irish dance, I didn’t know much about it until college, where I almost double majored in dance (one class short!) and learned about the anthropological significance of different forms of cultural dance. I danced from the time I was a toddler up until my senior year of college, though I left the competitive and performance track behind when I was 17 to concentrate on new goals (also, I was tired! I think the body knows what it can handle.)
 
What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? Why?
 
I wanted to be a writer before I could write! There’s nothing I love more than books (don’t tell my dog or fiancé—though he probably knows,) and before I could even fully read my books, I would scribble in the million notebooks lining my shelves and read my “poems” and “stories” out loud to my parents. Luckily, my unchanging life goals are easy to keep working toward no matter how I’m employed, so I can work at SRL and keep writing.
 
Why do you think people dance?
 
I think every person in the world needs to find an outlet to express themselves and dance is such an evocative, full experience. It engages the body and the mind equally, while bringing collaborative elements like music (and even other dancers and communities) to make it even more of a shared experience. It’s communal as much as it’s personal, like all good art strives to be.

What are you interested in that most people aren’t?
 
EVERYTHING! By that I mean: there’s no topic I don’t want to know more about. My favorite thing in the world is learning something new, to enter a new world through books. All I truly want is to keep learning every day of my life. Luckily, there’s a whole world out there so I’m never going to run out.
 
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
 
There’s an Einstein quote I’ve always loved: “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s that I stay with problems longer.” I was never the most talented dancer in the bunch, but I always made sure to work the hardest and achieve personal goals rather than goals I formed by watching other people. Every person’s body is different, just like everyone’s mind: if you’re frustrated and want to give up, forget everybody else and stay with the problem longer. Talent is overrated, give me hard work every time.

If you were a fictional character, which one would you be? Why?
 
This is like asking me to pick up favorite book: how do you pick a favorite kind of magic? When I was little, I used to literally dream (my poor mom had to comfort me when I woke up—a lot) I was Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. My dog’s name is even Harry Pawter! These days I probably connect the most the characters from Carmen Maria Machado’s work or the persona in Jenny Slate’s gorgeous essays. Highly recommend both for anyone who likes a very strange story!
 
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!)
 
While I haven’t been able to travel everywhere I still want to go (that cancelled trip to Greece this past April still rubs,) I was lucky enough to have a mom who prioritized making sure I was exposed to as much of the world as she could swing. So, while I’ve loved every trip I’ve ever taken, I still feel so lucky I was able to spend a year of college living in London! I still miss working in the Camden Markets, wandering the parks, and the wonder of a year of studying at University College London in Bloomsbury, where so many great scholars, scientists, and writers have spent their days.
 
What’s the most important quality to have in life?
 
Kindness. You can have all the second most important qualities: hard-working, determined, constantly learning and growing…but to me, all of that is a waste if you’re not kind. I believe our worth isn’t determined by what we do that affects only ourselves, it’s determined by how we treat others. But—don’t forget to be kind to yourself too! You deserve that kindness as much as everyone else.
 
How has dance affected your everyday life?
 
While I’ve always been someone who knows how to work hard and push myself when it comes to mental exercise, dance showed me I could be physically strong, too. I think it’s an incredible motivator, for everyone, but girls especially, to know they can accomplish things the world may have deemed too difficult for them. The average person sees dancers as willowy little things, but dance takes incredible strength. Just because people don’t recognize something as strength doesn’t mean you can’t.
 
This post is part of a series. Read others to meet more of our staff (Codi, Bailey, and Courtney,) with another post to come! Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Name: Courtney Jay TCRG
 
Position: Director and Instructor, all levels
 
How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL?
 
It was my dream to create SRL! Since I was 12 years old I knew I was going to own an Irish dance studio. While I did not fully comprehend what that meant at the time, I had files upon files of documents on my computer with all my plans and visions. Looking back, it is pretty incredible that I had an idea at a young age that I committed to and brought to life in adulthood.
 
I opened SRL in 2014 when I was 22 years old and since then it has taken on a life of its own, much bigger and faster than my 12 year old self could have ever envisioned! My work at SRL includes the day to day operations, managing our team, teaching classes, protecting and executing the vision, and implementing business strategies to ensure we continue to grow and thrive. Everyday is different!
 
What are you interested in that most people aren’t?
 
Two things – competitive gymnastics (Elite and NCAA) and The Sims. Gymnastics is the only sport I’m interested in, and I can tell you in great detail what skills are being done while watching routines, about NCAA line ups, and watch every meet I can for both divisions. The Sims is something I indulge in during my VERY rare and sporadic moments of free time and I love to build things and get lost in my imaginary world.
 
How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance?
 
I started Irish dance when I was six, after starting gymnastics and ballet as a two year old. I was really drawn to the quick movements and the driving music as a kid who was getting bored at the ballet barre. I begged my mom to let me switch to Irish for an entire summer before she agreed to sign me up, on the condition that I continued ballet. I was the kid who liked to quit everything, so I’m sure she wasn’t very confident I’d stick to Irish dance but here we are 23 years later!
 
As I got more into Irish dance, the draw that has kept me after all this time is you’re never done learning. There is always something new to learn or create – movements that trend and work their way into our repertoire each year, new rhythms that come to you in your sleep, and different pieces you’re creating to showcase a particular dancer’s strengths. No matter how good you get at it, there is always something more you can do, improve, or learn!
 
What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why?
 
I actually prefer to watch the same movies over and over again – my go to’s are: Any of the Harry Potter movies, Mean Girls, and Catch Me If You Can. I hate the process of picking something new to watch and wondering if I’ll like it, so I’m perfectly content to watch something tried and true.
 
How has dance affected your everyday life?
 
There aren’t very many areas of my life Irish dance hasn’t touched – my best friends and closest social circle is from Irish dancing. My oldest friends and I grew up dancing together elementary through high school and now we’re experiencing adulthood together. So many of my best experiences in life have been because of my involvement in Irish dancing – traveling the globe for competitions, attending events that have made me a better and stronger person, and building this business living out my dream career.
 
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!)
 
Hawaii; if it wasn’t so far away and expensive, I would have already gone back. I really love the beach but there’s something about Hawaii that feels more magical and exotic than other beach destinations I frequent.
 
Why do you think people dance?
 
Ultimately I think it brings people joy – you get to move your body and release the endorphins that make you happy. Your mind gets to focus on something outside of the ‘everyday’ thoughts, worries, and stressors that we often get lost or caught up in. You are surrounded by people drawn to the same activity and have a common interest that bonds you. Going to dance class is like being surrounded in pure joy.
 
What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? Why?
 
For quite some time, I wanted to be an architect. Part of that may come from my love of the Sims, which I’ve played since it was released in 2000. I was always drawing floor plans on paper, building in the Sims, and then in high school took drafting and architecture classes. While it ultimately wasn’t for me, I’m glad I got to experience those classes before I needed to make college decisions.
 
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
 
It sounds cliché, but never give up. I was not naturally talented and Irish dance was not easy for me when I started. I struggled until I decided I wanted to get better at it, started practicing at home, and then eventually reaped the benefits. Even once I had success, there were still times where certain steps, dances, or competitions challenged me and required me to be patient and dig deeper. If I had given up early on or once I was frustrated for a period of time, I wouldn’t be where I am today!

This post is part of a series. Read our Q&A with another instructor, Bailey, here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Name: Bailey

Position: Instructor, assists all class levels
 
How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL?
 
I have been working at SRL for the past month, and absolutely love it! SRL is an amazing community where all the dancers and teachers are very motivating, inspiring, and caring.
 
How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance?
 
I have been dancing for 18 years! My mom chose Irish dance for me and my sister when we were very young to help express our Irish heritage.
 
​What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!)
 
The coolest place I have ever visited was either Vancouver, BC or Edinburgh, Scotland.
 
What are you interested in that most people aren’t?
 
Math! I love math, as I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in Secondary Education with concentration in mathematics!
 
Why do you think people dance?
 
People dance to feel something and to express emotion. I dance because it made me feel strong, powerful, and motivated.
 
What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why?
 
Harry Potter (any of them!)… I am a huge fan!
 
How has dance affected your everyday life?
 
I cannot go a day without thinking about Irish dance, listening to Irish music, or dancing!
 
What do most people not know about you?
 
I have 2 different colored eyes.
 
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
 
Aly Raisman (2012 & 2016 Olympian) because she is such a hard worker, but also, she is a team leader and always wants success for her teammates.
 
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
 
Always be the hardest worker in the room; hard work goes a long way.

This post is part of a series. Read our Q&A with another instructor, Codi, here. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Name: Codi

Position: Instructor: Tiny Jig, Pre-Beginner, Beginner, Adult classes
 
What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of? Why?
 
Pretty much every Disney princess movie. They remind me of going to Disney world with my family when I was little and just always make me happy!
 
What do most people not know about you?
 
I cosplay once a year, dressing up as a twist on a Disney character and hanging out with other people who do the same.

How long have you been working at SRL? Why SRL?
 
2.5 years, after college I stopped dancing because I couldn't find somewhere to continue but a few years later I found SRL's adult class. Once I was there, I got to talking to Courtney about my previous experience and that I had taught before. I started with subbing in some classes for her that year then started teaching full time that spring. It's a joy to be able to help the students develop all of their skills and watch them grow.
 
How long have you been dancing? Why Irish dance?
 
I’ve been Irish dancing for 19 years now. I chose it because at the time it was something new and exciting but continued because it was always a challenge to improve and learn new skills.
 
How has dance affected your everyday life?
 
It's a fun thing to connect with others about, and a little crazy sometimes to see how many people actually have some experience with something you might think is not as widespread!
 
What’s your secret talent?
 
Normally this would be the question I answer "Irish Step" to, but I don't think I can do that here, haha. My secret talent is that I can drive miniature horses.
 
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!)
 
 The coolest place I've ever visited is France. I was able to go up the Eiffel tower, walk down the Champs-Élysées, and visit Normandy.
 
Why do you think people dance?
 
I think people Irish dance to give them a fun challenge. The feeling of satisfaction after mastering something becomes a little addictive and drives you to accomplish more and more. Dance in general is also a great way to connect with others and form friendships.
 
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
 
There is always something to work on, whether or not what you’re practicing seems challenging. Add an element to keep improving, for example if you think your turnout is good, work on your upper body posture, holding yourself straight and keeping your arms still, while practicing your turnout skills.
 
What’s the most important quality to have in life?
 
Perseverance, the ability to continue to work towards what you want even if you're pushed backwards or have to find a new path.

This is part of a series. Check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

Scoil Rince Luimni is thrilled to welcome Christian Cairone TCRG to our studio family! Christian has been Irish dancing since he was 3 years old. He trained under Irene and Maureen Horgan who helped instill the love and passion for dancing he has today. While there, he assisted teaching with all levels of classes which helped to increase his love of dancing and teaching.

Christian has competed around the globe with career highlights including: becoming Senior Men's Oireachtas champion, placing 4th at the All Ireland's, and medalling at both the North American Championships and the World Championships. At the 2018 World Championships, he had the opportunity to perform with the Fusion Fighters during their performance and would love to dance in a professional show in the future. Since passing his TCRG exam in January 2018, he is focused sharing his love and passion with his dancers and helping them to reach their goals.

Aside from dancing, Christian majored in Culinary Arts and Culinary Nutrition at Johnson & Wales University. He is currently working on becoming a Registered Dietitian to eventually specialize in Sports Nutrition to help dancers understand proper nutrition and to also give them easy recipes to use as well!

We are excited to have additional feedback, expertise, and support for all of our dancers as well as bring our growing contingent of male dancers a role model they can aspire to emulate in their dancing!