Barrington Dancer to Compete in World Irish Dance Championships

Mary Claire McDonnell of Barrington will be among the 32 dancers from Trinity Irish Dancers to represent the United States in the 2012 World Irish Dance Championships in Belfast, Ireland in April.

Trinity led all schools at a recent qualifying event and advanced more world qualifiers and gold medalists at this competition than any other school which puts them firmly on the road back the World Championships to defend their title.

Trinity instructor, Deirdre Mahoney, states: “It’s an exciting time for our program, which seeks to empower children by teaching resilience. Our philosophy is that they don’t always have to win in dance but they do need to win in school, their careers and life. We are incredibly proud that Trinity ultimately achieves this with all of our students.”

Local Champion, Mary Claire McDonnell, 15,  took 5th out of 121 competitors and also took a gold medal with her choreography team. She is a constant presence on the Mid-America Championship podium, having been in the top five for the last five years. In international competition, she has recalled at both the All-Irelands and the World Championships, placing as high as ninth in the World.

Trinity Irish Dancers have won an unprecedented 13 world titles for the United States, more than any other North American school in history.

Trinity Irish Dancers is inviting children to sample an Irish dance class in December at one of the group’s many locations. Trinity invites boys and girls ages 3 ½-12 to discover the basics of Irish dance by learning a few skills and steps set to Irish music. No previous dance experience is necessary.

This information was provided by a press release from Trinity Irish Dancers.