Family Spotlight: Jennifer S.

Name: Jennifer S.

Dancer at SRL: Maggie S.
 
How long has your family been with SRL? Why SRL?
 
We joined in 2019 looking for a more competitive program to offer new steps, stylish contemporary choreography, and a higher level of dancing and we have been so pleased with the excellent instruction and well run program at SRL. 
 
Why Irish dance?
 
Maggie joined Irish Dance because her big brother Pat was dancing. We love our Irish heritage and while I never took Irish Step as a child, all of my college roommates at Holy Cross did and Pat and Maggie wanted to try it too.
 
How did you choose your dancer’s name?
 
Margaret Frances is named after her 2 Irish Grandmothers who are in heaven.  
 
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever been and why?
 
Ireland might be tied with Italy. They both have such breathtaking landscapes and amazing people. (I didn’t travel to Europe until after I turned 40!)
 
What’s your favorite dance-related memory?
 
Maggie winning the ORIECHTAS for Traditional set. Her face was absolute surprise, joy and bliss. The trophy was as big as her. 
 
How do you think dance has positively affected your dancer?
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Dance is an opportunity to have special friends apart from school and an opportunity to work hard and see your hard work pay off. Dance is the perfect combination of working as a team and individual with loving supportive friends. It is also a sport- it is a great workout!
 
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
 
“Roar” by Katy Perry. 
 
What advice would you give parents who are looking to try out Irish dance?
 
Irish dance is something fun, different, hard and rewarding. It connects you with your Irish heritage, and if you aren’t Irish then a great group of people.  The parents are as fun as the dancers. I have enjoyed making friends with other parents. 
 
How has the pandemic effected your dancer and their dance experience?
 
The pandemic was hard. We loved that Maggie had the structure of dance, even if it was in the basement. It gave structure to our days. Even though I am busy driving from Feis to Feis this fall, I feel blessed that she gets to compete and improve after so much time at home when she couldn’t compete. 
 
What’s the most important quality to have in life?
 
Perseverance. Each time you have a great accomplishment, like moving up a level, you go back to not placing. It is humbling, exhilarating, and never boring! 

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