Belfast thrills to the lords and
ladies of Irish dance
 By JOHN
EGAN IN BELFAST
THE MUSIC’S playing, the feet are flying and the audience has been
held spellbound.
The biggest event in the world of Irish dancing is under way in Belfast
— and it’s already proving a massive success.
Thousands of competitors and their supporters have descended on Belfast
for the World Irish Dancing Championships.
Events got under way this week in a flurry of activity at the Northern
Irish city’s Waterfront Hall.
Dancers have jetted in from as far afield as America and Australia to
join the large contingent of competitors from Britain and Ireland.
Estimates say some 4,000 dancers and their families, friends and supporters
are in Belfast for the eight says of competition which started on Sunday
and runs to April 16.
More than 2,000 solo competitors and 2,000 team dancers will take part
in the eight-day programme — made up of 35 competitions across age
groups from under 11s to 21 years and over.
The dancers have qualified at regional and national events not only within
Ireland and Britain but also in Austria, Hungary, France, Germany, Holland,
America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
One competitor said: “It’s an amazing atmosphere. The whole
place is buzzing and there are Irish dancers everywhere you go.
“It’s not just about the competition it’s also about
meeting new people and having fun.”
It is estimated the 36th World Irish Dance Championships will bring in
some £7million to the Belfast economy.
Some 30 per cent of all available beds in the city are occupied by dance
visitors for the entire week.
In total there will be 314 dance schools from around the world represented
at the competition.
Seamus Ó Sé from organising dance body An Coimisiún
le Rincí Gaelacha said: “This is very much the highlight
of the year for all Irish dancing enthusiasts whether living in Ireland
or as far away as New Zealand, Australia or America.”
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