Dancer Spotlight: Maggie S.

Name: Maggie S.
 
Age: 14
 
How long have you been dancing with SRL? Why SRL?
 
I've been dancing at SRL for 3 years. I was looking to improve my dancing, and SRL had very successful dancers at their studio. 
 
How did you get started with Irish dance?
 
My brother did Irish dance, and so I started doing it with him.
 
If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
 
If I were an animal I would be a lion because I’m a Leo. Also, Lions have pretty hair. 
 
What’s your favorite dance-related memory?
 
My favorite dance related memory was when Izzy and I got 1st and 2nd, getting us both into open!
 
Where’s your dream travel destination and why?
 
I want to travel to China because I am currently learning Chinese, and I would love to be able to use it. I love Asain cuisine and I want to experience Chinese culture.
 
What’s your favorite thing about dancing? Why do you dance?
 
My favorite thing about dance is that it's a great way to bang out my issues, and it's therapeutic for me. I dance because I love my family here and I love it. 
 
What’s your (current) dream job and why?
 
My dream job would involve traveling the world and trying new things. I want to experience new things and I really enjoy change. I don’t have a certain job in mind yet. 
 
How has the pandemic affected you and your dancing?
 
The pandemic has given me a lot of time to improve my dancing on my own, but it has not been as helpful as I wished. Not being able to compete all the time is hard, and online dance took almost a year away from me. 
 
Who do you look up to and why?
 
I look up to Orla Godley. This is because she is a very successful dancer, and she is super sweet. She has inspired me to try harder because anything is possible. 
 
What’s the best advice you can give a new or younger dancer?
 
My advice for younger dancers is to push yourself. You're not going to get better by wishing. 

This post is part of a series. Meet our last spotlighted dancer, Rooney, 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.

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