Rising Tide is headed to Rhode Island!

Summer is officially here, which means sun, fun and the North American Irish Dance Championships! The North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are the premiere Irish dance competition on the continent. Held in rotating cities in North America, this prestigious event is attended by top dancers around the world who have qualified to compete. This year, the NAIDC are being hosted in Providence, Rhode Island and over 5,000 competitors from North America and the globe are expected at the week-long event.

Rising Tide is thrilled to have two dancers entered in this year’s NAIDC: Blaire Mckenzie and Erin Welsh. Blaire and Erin are two of our incredibly hard working champion dancers, who have been preparing for this competition for months. We want to highlight their dedication and commitment before heading to Rhode Island!

Blaire Mckenzie, Champion Dancer, U14

I started dancing when I was 4, and have been dancing ever since. I also have an older sister, Brooke, who dances as well. Brooke qualified for NAIDC too, but won’t be competing this year because of an injury.

I love dancing because it teaches you to never give up on your dreams and to work hard; not just in dance but in everyday life. It shows you how to be a good sport and how to overcome nerves by competing. I also love all the places we get to travel to and the amazing friends I meet along the way.

My favourite dance is the Slip Jig because it’s so graceful and elegant and I love the way it moves around the stage.

For NAIDC this year I’m looking forward to spending time with everyone and watching the dancers. I just love the whole atmosphere at North Americans, seeing the famous dancers and looking at vendors. I’m also excited to perform my new dances on stage.

<img class="alignleft wp-image-718" src="http://risingtideacademy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Blaire-1-300×300.jpg" alt="Blaire 1" width="277" height="277" srcset="http://risingtideacademy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Blaire-1-300×300.jpg 300w, http://risingtideacademy viagra prix maroc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Blaire-1-150×150.jpg 150w, http://risingtideacademy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Blaire-1-1024×1024.jpg 1024w” sizes=”(max-width: 277px) 100vw, 277px” />

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erin Welsh, Champion Dancer, U20

I started dancing when I was 5. I can’t believe that was 15 years ago!

One thing I love about dancing is how you can ALWAYS improve.  There are always goals to work towards and I love how I have always been so supported in Irish dancing in working towards my goals. I have had the opportunity to make such amazing friends – who are an extension of my family now. Dancing is fabulous.

I would say my favourite dance is my set, which is Drunken Gauger right now. I love the thrill of being by yourself on stage and dancing to a special song played just for you.

I am looking forward to dancing my new steps on a HUGE stage. Our studio (Maritime Dance Academy) has huge floor space – and I can’t wait to stretch out my steps. I am also so excited to wear my new dancing dress courtesy of Lindasfarne Designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us in wishing Blaire and Erin good luck at the NAIDC. Dance well, have fun and don’t forget to be awesome ladies!