South Bend Tribune,  October 25, 2005

Lords of Irish Step Dance
Area dancers teach technique to children, adults      
By AMY GOVERT-LARSON  Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND -- A student of Irish step dance, Mary Ladewski is passionate about the distinctive art form.  In addition to her twice-monthly performances at Fiddler's Hearth with the dance troupe Celtic Fire, Ladewski spends Wednesday evenings at St. Patrick's Center leading classes of her own.  The New Carlisle resident has been teaching recreational Irish step dance to students across Michiana for the last four years through the Celtic Heritage Society.

"It's busy, but a lot of fun," said Ladewski, 15. "The kids are so energetic."

Mary Ladewski Tribune Photo/AMY GOVERT-LARSON

Mary Bridget Halloran Tribune Photo/AMY GOVERT-LARSON

Ladewski and local teens Mary Brigid Halloran and Kelly Ryal are currently preparing for a second fall session of classes beginning Wednesday.  "We usually offer four sessions a year and take the summers off," said Ladewski.  The upcoming six-week session will include classes for students of all ages and experience levels.  Irish step dancing, made popular in recent years with "Lord of the Dance" and "Riverdance," is characterized by rigid arms and a stiff upper-body as performers whirl with exuberance, rather than emotion.

"You have your feet actually turned out," said Halloran, 18.  "You always have one foot crossing the other, too," said Ladewski. "That's a big challenge for every dancer."  The many rewards of Irish step dancing, however, far outweigh the challenges.

"I think Irish dancing definitely builds self-esteem and confidence," said Halloran.  A long-time student of Irish step dance, Halloran is also a member of Celtic Fire. "People can take a lot of pride in what they do because it's so unique."  Students also learn how to appreciate Irish music, culture and gain new friends in the process.

"Kids want to try new things and parents want their kids to try new things without investing a lot of money into activities they might not like or can't continue," said Yvette Couser of South Bend.  FFor the Couser family, of which all three children dance, the Celtic Heritage Society's program offers the most bang for their buck.

Short of the registration fee, student participation is free of additional expenses -- no uniforms, no special shoes are required.  Rochelle Cotter of New Carlisle makes the weekly commute to lessons with daughter Natalie, 5, a second-year student of Irish step dance.  "She puts a lot of hard work into it," Cotter said.

"It's really good exercise for (kids) too."  As if on cue, a small party of thirsty dancers, including Natalie, bounced into the hall outside their classroom. Standing in line at the water fountain, the class of 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds echoed Cotter's assessment with less enthusiasm.

"I'm going to feel that in the morning," said one student.

"My legs, my legs," moaned another, wobbling to the fountain.

In addition to the health benefits, the family-friendly atmosphere of the Celtic Heritage Society's dance program is equally appealing.  "There are really nice families doing it," said Cotter, "and good groups of kids."  Local children aren't the only students reaping the health benefits of Irish step dance.

"It's a good cardiovascular workout," said Paula Ann Horne of South Bend.

Horne, along with co-workers from the University of Notre Dame, has participated in the program's class for teens and adults.  "Our instructor is great, she's very patient with us," said Maureen Lakin of South Bend.  Lakin enrolled in the program after seeing an ad in the newspaper.  "Learning how to Irish step dance was on my list of things to do before I turned ... 50," said Lakin, muffling the end of her sentence. "It's a lot of fun and not as hard as it looks."

Adelia Couser, left, and other dancers follow the instruction of Kelly Ryal, 16, right, during an Irish Step Dance class at the St. Patrick Parish Center. Tribune Photo/AMY GOVERT-LARSON

Sidebar:   To learn more
Enrollment is under way for a second fall season of Irish step dance classes at St. Patrick's Center, 308 S. Scott St., South Bend. The noncompetitive classes, sponsored by the Celtic Heritage Society, will begin Wednesday and continue for six weeks.
Registration will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the center. For information, call (574) 232-9727 or e-mail celtic_heritage05@yahoo.com.