With St. Patrick's Day around the corner (Saturday), leprechauns, shamrocks, and the color green fill the streets. However, at the McGingIrish Dancers studio in Sycamore Township, this Irish festivity is celebrated yearlong.

        Owner Mary McGing, of Deerfield Township, has been teaching Irish dancing for 24 years. She has taught in both Ireland and Cincinnati and is certified by the Irish Dance Committee in Dublin. Her parents are from Ireland and through dance she is able to stay connected with her heritage.

Mary McGing watches a group fo girls practice at her studio in Sycamore Township. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Some people are quick to classify dance as merely a form of art and overlook the intense level of fitness it requires.

        “Irish dancing is very athletic,” says Ms. McGing. “Our dancers defy gravity with high jumps without the use of arms.”

        Irish dancing is for all body types. A slender, tall ballerina body build is not needed.

        Because of the amount of jumping that occurs in this form of dance, a personal trainer teaches students proper jumping techniques. The studio also works with Spectrum Rehab at Christ Hospital. This organization works closely with dancers to prevent injury. “In the past, there has been a huge difference in the program with injury prevention and dance development,” says Ms. McGing.

        Another important element of injury prevention is stretching. Most students dislike this class warm-up. “Sometimes I miss the stretching, and I'm happy,” admits Samantha Steinkamp,6, of Fairfax. “But I shouldn't be because I could pull a muscle,” she quickly adds with a much more serious tone.

        Since the onset of Riverdance in 1994, the touring show by a professional Irish dancing group, Ms. McGing has seen attendance triple. This form of dance became especially popular in the local area in 1998. Ms. McGing also credits Riverdance with the dance being accepted by men and women.

ADVICE

Six-year-old Samantha Steinkamp, who plans to dance until she is a teen, has this advice for beginner Irish dancers:     • Always bring a T-shirt. It is going to get very hot.     • Always bring a bottle of water. “I don't want you to be left out of drink time.”     • Always lock your knees during a V-Walk.

TO STUDY AT McGING

• Students must be 5 to enroll     • Enrollment begins in September     • Call: 891-6066

PERFORMANCES

March 16: Downtown Library 12:30 p.m.     March 17: St. Patrick's Day Parade, downtown, 11 a.m.

        Children and adults of all ages and levels fill the McGing studio. However, it is quite popular with children. Ms. McGing encourages children to enroll in the program before the age of nine.

        “With young children we are able to develop the muscles around the ankles,” she says. Strong, developed ankle muscles are required for successful jumps. The program also helps children with the development of coordination, rhythm and balance. Performances also increase self-confidence and pride. Ms. Steinkamp is enjoying her first year of dancing. “I had to choose between soccer, karate or Irish dancing. I chose Irish dancing after seeing it performed at the Celtic Festival.”

        In February, Ms. McGing and five dancers traveled to Ireland for the National Championships. Dancers are judged on three elements- appearance, dance and execution of each move.

        “Dancers must have feet like fire and a body like ice,” says Ms. McGing. Ms. McGing's niece, Sarah McGing, placed 7th in the all-around and third and sixth in the individual rounds. Sarah is ranked third in North America for her dancing skills and recently won a scholarship presented by the Cincinnati Arts Association. In April the dancers will again travel to Ireland for the World Championships.
       

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