Family Spotlight: Andrea K.

​Name: Andrea K.
 
Dancer at SRL:  Molley
 
How long has your family been with SRL? 
 
We are in our 4th year!
 
Why Irish dance? 
 
I wanted Molley to get involved in something, but she did not want to try the traditional tap, jazz, ballet route  I got her to try a class at SRL the summer she was 4 years old and she fell in love with the dancing, the older kids, and of course Miss Courtney.
 
Favorite fall family activity? 
 
Carving Pumpkins on Halloween.  Something my family did every year since I was very little and I try to live up to my dad’s talent every year!
 
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited? (Remember travel?!) 
 
I visited Paris when I was a junior in high school (26 years ago!?!?!).  My first time away from my family and out of the country.  I fell in love with the atmosphere and community throughout the city.  Molley and I have promised each other to visit together when she graduates from high school.  
 
What advice would you give parents who are looking to try out Irish dance? 
 
TRY IT!!!  It’s different and fun!  And I love the way the classes are structured to challenge the students just so much that also pushes them forward in their learning.
 
If you had to work, but didn’t need the money, what would you do? 
 
The same thing I am doing now - a teacher.  The only thing I might change is to teach History instead of Mathematics.
 
What’s your favorite dance-related memory? 
 
Molley’s first Feis experience.  She was so nervous to compete that she didn’t want to enter one until the end of her second year.  She ended up placing 2nd in both her dances.  To see the pride on her face was priceless!
 
What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? Why? 
 
So, I’ll be honest - I wanted to be a bus or truck driver.  I always wanted to travel all over and I love staying in hotels and eating out.  
 
What’s the most important quality to have in life? 
 
Happiness - of course, there are times that are stressful, sad, and full of anxiety, (and that’s ok and natural) but you have to remember what makes you happy and hold on to that.  When I get in a funk, I just think of my kids and remember those happy moments and it gets me through the rough times.  I try to have at least one truly happy moment each day to hold on to, and I haven’t been let down yet!
 
How do you think dance has positively affected your dancer? 
 
Confidence and challenge!  I think Irish Step Dancing has been the first time she has really felt challenged.  But because she enjoys it so much and because of the guidance from the older girls like Miss Ellie and of course from Miss Courtney’s teaching and motivation, she continues to try even when she gets so upset that she is not getting a step the first time around.

This post is part of a series. See our Q&A with Avonlea's mom, Erin Kate, 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.

---