IDC NEWSLETTER

Issue 1

Newsletter

IDC

January 2014
ADAM & AMY RECEIVING THEIR TROPHY FOR COUPLE WHO SHOWED MOST POTENTIAL IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to the Irish Dance Council Newsletter

PRESIDENTS ADDRESS It gives me great pleasure to address you as President of the Irish Dance Council. 2013, our first full year as an organization has exceeded all my expectations. Seven successful dance competitions, the creation of the Teacher Training programme, workshops & lectures, as well as teambuilding meetings - just some of what the IDC accomplished this year. The IDC hopes to work with our dance colleagues in Ireland and abroad to develop dancing in Ireland. Although there are still lots to be done before Ireland can join the other great dance nations of the world, we are certainly heading in the right direction and with the support of all dance enthusiasts we can achieve our goals. In the coming year, we will work on our Medal test and Professional examination system, as well as completing our first Rules/Regulations book. These projects are under the direction of the Executive Committee of the IDC, so we can be confident they will be of the highest standard. We start the new year off with a busy January
4 & 5 National Training Camp th 7 Workshop by leading Latin dancer/Trainer th 16 Workshop by leading Latin dancer/Trainer th 17 Workshop for Scurtineering th th 24 & 25 Emerald Open (International Dance Festival) A Special Mention must go to the very hardworking IDC Committee a group of people who supported the organization 100% in the past year Thank you for your great efforts Nicole Kelly President of the Irish Dance Council.
th th

Tom & Ann share their dancing experience

Hear from our Amateur Dancers

Sam & Shannon, John & Niamh share some insights into their dancing careers to date.

See Calendar of Events for 2014

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TEACHER TRAINING is..

The Teacher Training Programme is under the direction of Mr. Tommy Shaughnessy All aspects of teaching will be covered: Understanding all the basic dance figures Technique of Ballroom and Latin dancing How to handle a new/advanced student The anatomy and how it works Preparation of dance examinations

What can I expect to learn? Who should attend?

It is suitable for any dance teacher, or for dancers who wish to become teachers in the future. The director of the programme will make the final decision on applicants All basic figures in Ballroom and Latin and the breakdown of each figure. Footwork positions, rise and fall, amounts of turn, sway, timing etc. How to handle your students and make the learning process productive and enjoyable. Understand how the body works Preparing your students for competitions, medal testing and exams

What qualification can I get?

In Ballroom and Latin the following levels Student Teacher Associate (professional Exam) Licentiate (Professional Exam) Fellowship (Professional Exam)

What age do I need to be?

This depends on the level of the dancer and their

Tom & Ann

Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
We have been married for 38 years and have four children and seven grandchildren. Tom is a former army man and served for the Irish Army for 23 years.

Dancing is a great social outlet were you meet lots of dancing friends that all have the same thing in common.

What are your plans for the future?

We have recently danced in our first beginner competition (after much arm twisting from Ann) making a winning start having social danced for many years. We are now practicing and preparing for the next IDC Event and are going to travel in January to compete in Champions of Tomorrow in Blackpool held in the Winters Gardens. Happy Dancing, Tom and Ann Colton.

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What is your Favorite Dance?

Ann: Viennese Waltz.....She loves how graceful it is as she is whisked around the Dance Floor. Tom: The Bug .......A Swedish social dance Tom learned at the International Social Dancers Weekend last year.

Why did you start to dance?

We both did a little dancing separately when we were young children. We started dancing to have a shared hobby, we went to dance teacher Colette Kirwin who is also related to Tom.

What tips would you have for Social Dancers?

Attend regular classes and socials. There are so many classes, social weekends away for social dancers that you will never be bored with nothing to do, when you social dance it is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. Have fun and enjoy your dancing

How long are you dancing and how often do you dance?
We are dancing two and half years and love it would recommend it to everyone, we just want to dance more and more can't get enough of it. We dance in Dance Addiction at least 4 nights a week, also Ann takes part in the IDC Student/Teacher competitions with our dance teacher Noel O' Donoghue. We also attend various social dances on Wednesdays and Sundays and go on dancing weekends.

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previous experience in dancing.

How many years have you been dancing? How years have you been John:many 17 years dancing? Niamh: 12 years

John Nolan & Niamh Fox Sam Hunter & Shannon Fitzgerald

Sam: 13 years Shannon 7 years When did you start competing? John: 17 years When you start competing? Niamh:did 11 years Sam: 13 years ago, 1 month after starting Shannon: 7 years months after starting How long have ago, you 4 and your partner

been together? How have you and your partner Sincelong July 2013 been together? 1 year and 6 months What is your favourite dance? What is your favourite Niamh: Waltz and Foxtrot dance?
Both: The Cha Cha Cha John: Waltz and Quickstep

What is your favourite venue to dance in?

Both: The Winter Gardens, Blackpool

What is your favourite venue to dance in?

John: Blackpool to the Empress Orchestra, cannot beat that feeling Niamh: Winter gardens Blackpool

What is your greatest Accolade?

Calendar of Events 2014

Date 4 & 5 January Competition IDC National Training Camp The Emerald Open The Irish Open Glitter Ball Classic Rising Stars City of Dublin Festival Leinster Master IL Clasico

John: Representing Ireland at the World and European Championships

Favourite colour?
Dance Style John: Blue Niamh: Blue Ballroom, Latin & Hip-hop Venue Dance Addiction, Blanchardstown

Favourite TV Show?
John: The Inbetweeners and Love/Hate Ballroom, Latin & Hip Hop Whites Hotel, Wexford Niamh: Friends Ballroom, Latin & Hip Hop

25 & 26 January 10 & 11 May 15 June 28 September 2 November 16 November 7 December

Favourite Song?

Dolmen Hotel, Carlow

John:& too hard to choose!!.. But I really the Ballroom Latin Tolike be advised oldies like Frank Sinatra and Brat Pack Niamh: love kinds Ballroom, Latin &all Hip Hopof music To be advised Ballroom & Latin Hip Hop Ballroom & Latin To be advised To be advised To be advised

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What is your greatest accolade to date?

Sam: Either becoming British National Junior Latin Champion or being placed 3rd in Junior Ballroom at the World Championships, Paris Shannon: Making the semi-finals of the under 19s Latin Championship at the World Championships, Paris

Favourite Colour?
Sam: Blue or black Shannon: Pink or red

Favourite TV show?
Sam: Match of the day or Top Gear or Only Fools and Horses Shannon: at the moment. Im a celebrity get me out of here

What is your favourite song?

Sam: Oasis Dont look back in anger Shannon: thats a tough one, I cant pick!
2013 201

What do you do in your spare time?

Both: Either go out for food or to the cinema, but sometimes we like to just relax and chill out

SOME PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013

201 Year

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