By Kate Robak
Contributing Writer
When most people think of dancing, they might think of hop-hip, jazz, ballet or tap. However, Mira Costa ninth grader Kristen Spence opts for an obscure, yet more traditional, form of dancing.
Spence has been Irish dancing since she was 7 years old, the average starting age of most young Irish dancers.
“After seeing ‘Riverdance’ live, I was eager to become an Irish dancer,” Spence said. “Irish dancing is a unique sport because there is a wider variety of things to do than there are in other dance classes.”
Although Irish dancing appears light and simple, it can be very demanding. Dancers have to balance themselves while they dance without using their arms. In addition to balance, there are various complicated steps involved.
“It takes a lot of determination and perseverance to Irish dance,” Spence said. “For example, you have to make the beats distinct while dancing, which can be difficult and takes practice.”
Irish dancers, including Spence, spend countless hours practicing on the dance floor to complete dances. Some dances can even take months to master.
“Kristen is a really hard worker and always tries to do her best and support others in competitions and in class,” fellow dancer Kelsey Chaykowski said.
Most Irish dancers practice at least five hours a week, while Spence practices up to seven hours. Although the grueling rehearsal schedule can sometimes interfere with schoolwork, Spence finds a way to balance the tough workout, extracurriculars and homework gracefully.
“Irish dancing helps improve my fitness and posture,” said Spence. “I love it when the momentum gets going and I can bring myself into a high and pretty lift.”
Competitions take place almost every two months, and Spence travels three or four times a year to attend them in places like San Francisco, Sacramento and Arizona. One of the biggest competitions that Spence competes in is called Oireachtas.
“Over the past few years, Kristen has worked hard, grown immensely and put a lot of time into dance,” Spence’s coach Claire Maxwell said.
In every competition, dancers wear elaborate dresses as well as curly wigs. Along with the dresses, other equipment is required including poodle socks, crowns, ghillies and hard shoes.
Spence’s ultimate goal as an Irish dancer is to go to the World Championship for Irish Dance. Spence would like to continue to Irish dance as an adult.
“Irish dancing is one of my passions,” Spence said. “It allows me to express myself in ways that nothing else can.”
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