Graduating Senior Spotlight: Christine & Mags

Graduating Senior Spotlight: Christine & Mags
 
Name: Christine M.
 
Dancer at SRL: Emma "Mags" M.
 
How old was your dancer when they started Irish dance? What is your earliest memory of them dancing?
 
Emma was 8 when she started Irish dance but she had been taking Tap/Ballet lessons since she was 3. I remember arriving at our local Irish-American club and thinking am I really signing my child up to dance in a bar? It was a humble beginning that turned into so much more.
 
How long has your family been dancing with SRL? Why SRL?
 
We joined SRL IN 2017. Emma decided to pursue competitive Irish Dance as her extra curricular focus and left other forms of dance and soccer behind and wanted a very structured and focused environment to move ahead in her dance career. It was a big change and she's never regretted making the leap of faith. We've made amazing friends and I know Emma feels her dance friends are her family.

Best Dance Memory?
 
There are so many! Emma had her first solos recall at Oireachtas with SRL so that is big but I think the double feis weekend in Tampa Fl is a best memory, Emma placed first in her Prelim competitions both days allowing her to move to Open Championships and the opportunity to attend her first Nationals that year in Orlando.
 
Any dance parent fails or funniest moments to share?
 
We have had our fair share of crooked wigs, loose headpieces and lopsided "poufs" for SURE.
 
If your dancer is retiring, which parts of being so involved with the Irish dance work will you miss the most?
 
Emma is retiring to focus on school in the fall and I will miss all the one on one time we were able to spend together traveling to feis and competitions. While the dancing was fun and the friendships I've made myself are so very special I will miss that bonding the most. Dance may not be the focus anymore but we will certainly keep the friendships we've made along the way a top priority... they have been our "family" on this journey and mean more than words can say!
 
What's the most important life lesson you think your dancer learned from Irish dance?
 
I think Irish dance has taught Emma perseverance, grace under pressure, humility and the understanding that its ok to not be ok! Do your best work and enjoy the journey.
 
What are your dancers plans for the future so far?
 
Emma will be attending Westfield State University and she will be a Biology Major.
 
Any advice to graduating dancers? To younger dancers and their families?
 
Graduating dancers who will not be dancing anymore enjoy the wig-less weekends and keep in touch with one another... these friendships are special.
 
Younger dancers and families enjoy the journey, remember it’s not a sprint, but a marathon, and these moments go by so quickly.
 
What are your hopes and dreams for your dancer's life?
 
I want Emma to have an amazing college experience, to use the strength and poise she learned in dance to further herself in life, take chances and learn from the ups and downs that life will throw at her. This year has been like no other for sure and these kids have adapted and made the best of very uncertain times and I hope they are all better people for it. 

This post is part of a series. See our last spotlight with Laura and Emma F. 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.​