Stepping Up and Stepping Out
(click on photos to enlarge)
by Maureen Rossi
Cara Hallahan is a St. James native who will be stepping up to Canada – well she’ll actually be flying, but she 
will be stepping out onto the stage to compete in the World Irish Step dancing competition in Montreal, Canada this spring.
“I recently competed at the regionals and came in 14th qualifying me for the world,” said the vibrant twenty-two year old.
A recent graduate of Geneseo, Cara is presently employed as a substitute teacher at Terryville Elementary School in Port Jefferson Station. She is very happy there saying she adores the school and kids and would love to get a permanent position at the school.
;)
One of three children, she is the only one interested in Irish dance. “My sister took it for one year but it didn’t capture her interest, she’s an artist and very musical,” says Cara. The young dancer said the entire family is enormously proud of her work. “My mom was sobbing tears of joy in the audience when I qualified for the World Competition,” she shared.
The dancer says being in the competition is a life-long dream come true. Dancing from the age of six, she says it is a dream come true for the whole family. “Everyone was thrilled to pieces, they watched me work for it, training four days a week two hours a day and then practicing on my own,” she explained.
Irish Step-Dancing has long roots. It gained enormous popularity here in the states when the Riverdance team galvanized Americans from all backgrounds. There were sold out shows around the country and the world.
;)
Irish step-dance is a style of dance with its roots in traditional Irish dance. It can be performed solo or by troupes. Two types of shoes are worn: hard shoes, which make sounds similar to tap shoes, and soft shoes, which are similar to ballet slippers. Dancers stiffen their upper bodies while performing quick, intricate footwork. Costumes are considered important for stage presence in competitive Irish step-dance. There are several levels of competition available for both individuals and groups.
An Irish step-dancing competition is called a Feis (but pronounced FESH). There are old tales that date Irish step-dancing back to Pre-christian Ireland.
Dancers are known for their intricate hair styles; however, because of the enormous time and cost of getting a girl’s hair done in customary fashion, most purchase the traditional style wigs. The costumes are equally festive and costly.
;)
Irish-step dancing began to become popular in the states as Irish immigrants arrived. It is said the first classes were taught in Philadelphia.
Hallahan is over the moon excited about the World Competition, but is very committed to her rigorous training until April. “ It’s all ability, doesn’t matter where you are from, just bring your best competition,” she added. She said there are competitors from Africa, England, Scotland, Canada and of course Ireland. “I’m going to do my best, be my best; really I’m just so honored to be in the Worlds,” she laughed.
Hallahan says this event is like the Olympics for her. Her whole family will be attending including her boyfriend and two best friends from college.
All of Smithtown wishes Cara good luck or as they say in Ireland, Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat!