Find Yourself, Lose Yourself, Learn to Dance

Dancing 1
Dance teacher, Dan O’Donoghue, Newmarket (left) pictured with Tommy Martin at the Friday night dance class at the Ivy Leaf Art Centre in Castleisland. ©Photograph: John Reidy

They say that dancing enables you to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time.

A thriving group of dancers of all ages and abilities congregate at the Ivyleaf Art Centre in Castleisland each Friday night for a couple of hours from 8pm to 10pm.

There, they to learn how to dance, improve their existing skills, but most importantly, have lots of fun.

New Dances Introduced

From a standing start, the numbers have grown with each passing week, with new dances ranging from the intriguingly named ‘Slosh’ to waltzes, foxtrots, quicksteps and many more being taught.

Dan O’Donoghue is the maestro who runs this Academy of Dance and it’s proving to be a big hit locally.

“I’m delighted with the interest shown by the people of Castleisland and surrounding areas who come here every Friday night,” said Dan.

“It is a great opportunity for people to mix and get to know each other and new friendships are forged here which is lovely to see.

Dancing with Dan 2
Taking to the floor: Some of the dancers going through their steps at the ‘Dancing with Dan’ night at the Ivy Leaf Art Centre on Friday night. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Because they Love to Dance

“There are many people who love dancing, but think that they cannot go to a dance unless they bring someone with them – that’s not the case here – most of the people who come here do so because they love to dance.

“It is open to any person irrespective of their ability or experience in dancing and the majority of people come here on their own or with friends.”

Dan went on to explain that all the dances he teaches are those that you will find at any type of function or wedding.

A Social Evening Out

“Dancing is becoming increasingly popular and it is a great way to get fit. It’s good exercise and an enjoyable way to have a social evening out and meet new people – I can’t recommend it enough.”

Temporary Move to the River Island Hotel

Dancing with Dan is on at the Ivyleaf Art Centre each Friday evening – except for the next three Fridays, when it moves temporarily to the River Island Hotel to facilitate the Kerry Drama Festival.

“It is exceptionally good value at just €5 for two hours from 8pm to 10pm and I hope to see many more people come and join us – you won’t regret it,” said Dan encouragingly. For more information you can ring:  087 98 91 771

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