Nationals Spotlight: Gabby G. & Kellyann

2020 Qualifier

Name: Gabby G.

Age: 17

Congratulations on qualifying for Nationals back in 2020! I know it must have been disappointing when last year was cancelled, but do you think this extra time has made you a stronger competitor? What have you learned about yourself as a dancer this last year?
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I think dancing online was difficult for all of us, but I definitely think having the extra time to practice and learn steps has been really beneficial. Something that I have learned about myself is that I actually do have the creative mental capacity to re-choreograph a part of my step that had been giving me trouble. Choreographing steps in the past has been nearly impossible for me, but I was really proud of myself that I could successfully add in a piece of my own stylistic choices into my dancing.

What are you most looking forward to about Nationals?

I am looking forward to the atmosphere and just being somewhere new with some of my best friends. 

What have you missed the most about competing more regularly this year? (And what have you definitely NOT missed about competing?)

Something I definitely have not missed about competing are the wigs and the fake tan. I did miss the dresses and the running around the venue finding friends and watching other competitors dance a little bit, though.

What’s your proudest dance achievement so far? Any future dance goals you’re setting for yourself?

I think my proudest dance achievement is not really any specific award/placement, but how far I have come. I have collected a number of videos from practices of my dances and even just in a year, I can see how much some of my technique has improved. My goal for this Nationals is to try my best to not be shaken by the number of strong competitors.

Have you ever visited Phoenix before? Any plans while you’re there beyond dancing?

I don’t think I have ever visited Phoenix, though a couple of years ago my family took a trip around different national parks in Arizona. I am most likely just going with my mom, but we both love hiking, so after I dance, I think the two of us will be out hiking a lot during this trip.

What’s your favorite dance to compete in? Which do you think is your strongest?

I don’t know what it is about soft shoe, but whether it be slip jig or reel, I absolutely love it and I think that this will most likely translate into my dancing at Nationals.

What advice would you give a dancer hoping to qualify for Nationals?

​My advice would be to set goals and don’t stop until you’ve reached them. For every competition, whether it be a major or just a regular competition, I always set goals for myself and practice hard at dance and at home.

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2020 Qualifier

Name: Kellyann
 
Age: 16
 
Congratulations on qualifying for Nationals back in 2020! I know it must have been disappointing when last year was cancelled, but do you think this extra time has made you a stronger competitor? What have you learned about yourself as a dancer this last year?
 
Over the past year I have grown both mentally and physically as a dancer. This past year has been particularly challenging for me with the pandemic and ankle surgery in December, but the experiences ultimately grew my love for dance even more, which I did not know was possible. The additional year has given me more time to become even more motivated, in addition to granting me another perspective on the accomplishment of making it to Nationals. I have learned that when I put my mind to something anything is possible. 
 
What are you most looking forward to about Nationals?
 
I am looking forward not only to spending time with some of my favorite people in the world, all my fellow SRL National Qualifiers, but to achieving my ultimate goal from when I started Irish dance, dancing on the stage at Nationals. 
 
What have you missed the most about competing more regularly this year? (And what have you definitely NOT missed about competing?)
 
I have missed seeing all of my feis friends, who do not attend SRL, in addition to the feeling of being on stage. I definitely have not missed the early morning, bobby pins, and wigs over the past year. 
 
What’s your proudest dance achievement so far? Any future dance goals you’re setting for yourself?
 
My proudest dance achievement would be my Preliminary Championship first place at the Shamrock Feis, but I also am overjoyed by my ability to return to dance 3 ½ months post-op. My future goals for irish dance include qualifying for Open Champ, and recalling at Oireachtas for solos. 
 
Have you ever visited Phoenix before? Any plans while you’re there beyond dancing?
 
I have never been to Phoenix before. We are planning to spend time with my cousins who are also competing this year and exploring the area around the convention center. 
 
What’s your favorite dance to compete in? Which do you think is your strongest?
 
I love competing in reel, but I think that slip jig is usually my strongest dance. 
 
What advice would you give a dancer hoping to qualify for Nationals?
 
Do not give up, and do not get discouraged. If you have an unideal placement at a feis use the comments and experience to grow. Come to the next class ready to listen, acknowledge, and strive to correct your comments. With that being said do not let the placements define you and remember that you do Irish dance because you love it.
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This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last Nationals Spotlight, with Balian and Kayla P., here. Also: 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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