March is Irish-American Heritage month, and one local Irish step dancing school is making every step count.
This group has already brought home not one, but three national titles.
- Central Florida Irish Dance eyes another national title
- The school, which has over 130 students, has won 3 titles so far
- Group will be dancing at several counties for St. Patty's Day
Seven-year-old Addison Bakish is an Irish step dancer.
“I like the dresses, and everything you do in learning new steps. It’s really fun,” Addison said.
It’s a passion she shares with her friends Kiley Baker and Darci Rogers.
“I love Irish dancing,” Kiley said.
All three girls were part of the Cumann Rince Náisiúnta North American National Open Championships this year. Addison placed first, while the other two placed second and third.
Their teacher Sarah Costello runs Central Florida Irish Dance and has over 130 students, both children and adults. Costello said she’s proud of these little ones.
“There’s real talent here in Florida and kids who come are growing really well, and I am happy,” Costello said. “I am really, really happy with it,”
Costello said step dancing is not just a hobby for these three little girls, but a way for them to truly embrace the Irish culture.
“I like my teacher, I like the dances, and I like that it’s about my culture,” Darci said.
Addison wants to one day win the world championship — when she’s old enough to enter, of course. So she’s got two more years to go.
Once she’s all grown up Addison hopes to become a dance teacher just like her role model.
“She’s fun, she’s really exciting and she's the best dance teacher ever,” Addison said.
The Central Florida Irish Dance group will be dancing in different counties this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day:
- Friday, March 16 - Crooked Can at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 17 - Crooked Can at 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 17 - Mulligans in Celebration at 3 p.m.
- Saturday, March 17 - Lucky Leprechaun at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 18 - Crooked Can at 1 p.m.