IRISH DANCE: A TRADITION OF COMMUNITY AND EXCELLENCE
The Bernadette Short School offers classes for beginners up to internationally competitive champion level dancers. Dancers can begin classes as young as age 5 but can begin at any age, including adulthood. Irish Dance is a fun activity that offers physical exercise and is a form of expression rooted in the traditions and cultures of Ireland.
BERNADETTE SHORT, FOUNDER
It all began when Bernadette Short came to Montreal from her native Dublin in early 1974. She soon began teaching the Irish step dances she had learned while growing up in Ireland. With the phenomenon of the Celtic Tiger in the late 90s including the enormity of such shows as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Irish dance became an activity that spread far beyond the Irish community. People of all backgrounds were drawn to the music, intricacy of the footwork and the energy of Irish dance. The school grew at that time and now provides Irish dance classes in 5 locations around Quebec and upstate New York.
Community Engagement
The culture at the Short School is one to foster involvement in the community and spread our love of dance. Dancers perform at many community events throughout the year, but are most popular at events in the month of March as many people celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Dancers perform at hospitals, senior residences, private functions, community events and more. These are invaluable opportunities for these young dancers who learn at a very young age how important it is to be a part of the community and share one's strengths and talents with others.
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE
Dancers from the Bernadette Short School are extremely successful in the competitive Irish dance network. The school has won regional and North American titles in both solo and team events every year for many years, and is the only school in Quebec to produce multiple medals and podium finishes at the World Championships in both teams and solo events. The dancers who compete at this level are extremely dedicated and disciplined in their dancing, fitness and health.
OUR MISSION
The Bernadette Short School of Irish dance has a mission to foster whatever it is that a dancer would like to achieve in Irish dance. The teachers are all trained within the school, by Bernadette herself, and have the same passion for encouraging every dancer no matter what their goals may be. From recreational dancers who love to dance in honour of a family connection that may be several generations old, to internationally competitive dancers who are competing overseas several times per year, and everything in between, the teachers thrive in sharing and encouraging each and every dancer's progress and achievements, big or small.
For more information, please contact us at (514) 620-9270 or info@lakeshorekiwanis.ca