River dancers kick up heels

By Emma Sun
THE ladies at McAleer Dance School in Pakenham recently came home with great results after competing in Hobart for the 2011 Tasmanian Festival of Irish Dancing.
The team of 12, mainly beginners who started early last year, prepared solo and team dances for the event and took out a number of titles.
A few came home with trophies and most of the team placed well in their solo dances.
Owner of the school Fiona Holmes said the ladies had a fantastic time.
“It was their very first Irish dancing competition and as many of the dancers are also mothers of young Irish dancers, it was a real eye opening experience to reverse the roles, and find themselves in their children’s shoes,” she said.
“The team have been so inspired by the experience – they are now planning a trip to Hobart again in 2012.”