Two current MLMC students and an Old Collegian are excelling in Irish dancing. While Shea Bilton-Gough (class of 2011) is showing off her skills in a show in Melbourne called the Irish Celtic, the McGarry sisters, current students Katherine and Erin, did so well at the State Solo Championship last weekend that they qualified for next year’s World Championships.
Katherine (Year 7 Green) placed sixth in the State Solos competition held at Casey Grammar in Cranbourne last weekend. Erin (Year 9 White) placed fourth. Both girls qualified for the World Championships, which will be held in North Carolina, USA, next year. While that is a big honour, both girls have instead chosen to compete at the Australian national titles in Cairns this year.
Both girls are at an Irish dance school called McAleer. They followed their Irish family heritage into the sport and often compete on one weekend a month. The State Solo competition involved getting wigs, tiaras, hair, make-up, tan and, of course, the solo dresses. State Solo involves three rounds of dancing, two of which are in hard shoe and there is one soft-shoe round. For the hard-shoe round dancers are judged on rhythm, timing and technique, while for the soft-shoe round dancers are judged on flexibility, movement, technique and timing.
The sisters train more than seven hours each through the week, with more work put in leading up to big competitions. “When I found out I came fourth at States I was very surprised and happy with myself since this was my first time competing in State Solo competition,” Erin said. Katherine was equally thrilled with her State Solos result. “I felt super happy when I found out I placed sixth and qualified for worlds. All of the girls in my section dance so well and it was a very tough section. Last year I got eighth, so when I finished sixth I was so happy and I can't wait until next year,” she said.
After three years of touring the world in shows, Old Collegian Shea is back in Melbourne to perform in Irish Celtic at the Palms at Crown until 5 August. Shea is the only Australian in the international cast, dancing to a live band.
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