On March 24, Irish dancers from around the globe arrived in Glasgow, Scotland to compete at the 2024 Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the World Irish Dance Championships. Every year, qualifying dancers have the opportunity to compete at this prestigious event, representing nations like the United States, Ireland, England, and even as far as Australia.
Among those competing this year were two of Sacred Heart University’s very own Claddagh Dancers, freshmen Ava Leddy and Bridget Hillmann.
“The Irish Dance World Championships is the most exhilarating and exciting place in the World,” said Hillmann. “Being at the Worlds, you know that you are dancing with the best of the best.”
Hillmann began dancing at the age of three, just like her mother and grandmother before her. Over the past 16 years, she has competed at every level of competition, including seven national and five world championships.
“Qualifying for the Worlds the past three years has been such a dream come true,” said Hillmann. “Competing at the Worlds is amazing and getting on that stage is so special. I am so thankful that I have been able to compete.”
Most dancers, like Hillmann, spend their entire dancing careers dreaming of competing at the Worlds for the chance of becoming a World Champion. Fellow Claddagh Dancer, Ava Leddy, said that ever since she “fell in love with Irish dance,” she has dreamt of dancing at the Worlds.
“Since a young age, I always wanted to climb up that podium to feel the excitement of a champion holding a shiny trophy,” said Leddy. “I just came back from Glasgow, Scotland after competing at my sixth World Championships and I got an overall recall, placing 37th place in the World.”
Source: Moira Staples, Editor At Large
Source: Moira Staples, Editor At Large
Like Hillmann, this was not Leddy’s first time competing at the Worlds. Ever since she began dancing at the age of five, Leddy has competed in six World Championships, competing at her first Worlds at just 10 years old. Leddy is ranked second in the Mid-Atlantic Region, seventh in North America, and has earned many World medals.
Outside of competition, Leddy recently had the opportunity to travel and tour with the world-famous show, Lord of the Dance, fulfilling another of her life-long dreams.
“It was an amazing experience and one of the biggest dreams any Irish dancer could have,” said Leddy. “I often went to their shows when I was little and being on the stage more than 10 years later was a feeling I can’t even describe.”
Leddy explained that while the placements may sound nice, they mean practically nothing to her. Leddy’s favorite part of dance has been the people and friendships she has made through it.
“I wouldn’t say Irish dance is all about competing, placements, and training, but the main reason why I love Irish dance is because of the friendships I have made along the way, and I will cherish these memories forever.”
Both Hillmann and Leddy expressed their gratitude towards SHU for allowing them to continue their passion for dancing while also connecting them to dancers just like them with whom they
have been able to find a deep sense of community.
“Coming to Sacred Heart, as a freshman I was scared about making friends, but as soon as I met the people on the Claddagh Irish dance team, I knew I would have lifelong friends here,” said Hillmann. “Connecting with people over something you all love is very special, and I am so happy that this school had an opportunity to do that.”
Both Ava and Bridget, along with the rest of the SHU Claddagh Dancers, will be performing in the Irish Dance Showcase on April 19 at 8 p.m. in the Edgerton Center. Tickets are available for purchase in the Edgerton Box Office or by calling (203)-371-7908. Visit www.edgertoncenter.org for more information.
