Family Spotlight: Evelyn

Name: Evelyn
 
Dancer at SRL: Rooney and Tilly (and Me)
 
How did you get started with Irish dance?
 
I grew up in parts of rural VA where there weren’t really Irish dance studios, but I always found the dancers fascinating at festivals. When we moved up to New England I decided to live out my dreams through my children, as one does. When SRL offered another round of adult classes though I figured I might as well give it a try! 
 
What benefits do you get out of the adult class?
 
Exercise! Living out childhood dreams. And some social connection in the age of covid. 
 
What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little?
 
Why? An archeologist! Ancient Egypt fascinated me and all the stories of the archeologists who explored the pyramids. I actually got to go to Egypt in college. Seeing the Sphinx and the valley of the kings was amazing! ​

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What do most people not know about you?
 
I’m a librarian! I hold three passports. I quilt in my free time. And I really love confetti poppers. 
 
If you were a fictional character, which one would you be?
 
Okay, this question made me think of this “scientific” test. I just retook it and got Amy Santiago from Brooklyn 99 as my top hit. And I also rank closely in personality to Twilight Sparkle from My Little Pony and Minerva McGonagall from Harry Potter. All three of which are honestly pretty accurate fictional representations of me. The test is clearly legit. 
 
How did Rooney and Tilly get started?
 
I really emphasized the end goal of super sparkly dresses with Rue knowing it would inspire her to try, and luckily I don’t have to feel guilty for that blatant manipulation because she’s loved it so far!! Tilly just wanted to do what her older sister was doing, but also seems to genuinely love it. 
 
How did you pick your dancers’ names?
 
We went with a family last name as the first name for my oldest Berreth, and then we just kept with the theme for Rooney and Tilden. 
 
How do you think dance has positively affected Rooney and Tilly?
 
Physically it’s helped with coordination and strength. But it’s also helped with focus and determination. And it’s given them a fun way to get their wiggles out and make new friends. 
 
Why do you think people dance?
 
It’s like a physical expression of music! Plus there’s so many different ways to dance everyone can do it. 
 
What’s the most important quality to have in life?
 
The ability to laugh at yourself. I wish I had learned that earlier in life, not being willing to mess up and laugh it off kept me from trying a lot of things. 

This post is part of a series. Meet our last spotlighted parent, Michaela J., here. And 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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