Student Finds Joy In Irish Dancing

by Jill May
11.14.07

Dancing is a common pastime and hobby, but sophomore Natalie Takacs adds a twist to what most people envision dance to be. Takacs has been taking Irish dance classes since the third grade.

“I saw my friend do it,” she said. “I went to her show, and I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen.”

Unlike ballet, tap or jazz styles, Irish dancing uses no
arm movements at all. The performers must maintain good balance and poise throughout the complicated footwork. Takacs dances at a studio called Craoi Na Tire, which is located in downtown Omaha. About 40 dance students attend her studio, and each dancer usually goes to competitions on her own.

“We practice together but when we compete, we usually do solos,” Takacs said. “We rarely all dance together as a team.”

Most competitions are held about every two weeks in the Omaha area.

“Traveling is my favorite part about my Irish dancing,” Takacs said. “I love to compete.”

Takacs’ team of 12 hopes to travel to Chicago this month for regionals, as well as to Canada in July for nationals. At a competition, the dancers arrive, stretch and warm up. Then each girl performs twice in front of the judges: once with soft shoes, and then with hard shoes.

“Soft shoes have a more ballet-like feel,” Takacs said. “They are more flexible. Hard shoes look like tap shoes except they have wood on the bottom instead of metal. I like soft shoes better.”

The dancers then perform a set, which is a solo consisting of special music and special steps. In addition to the intricately choreographed style of dance, the costumes are usually brightly colored and detailed. Young dancers’ costumes are made by their
teacher. However, once the dancers are old enough, they can begin to design their own.

“I was extremely excited when I could make my own dress,” Takacs said. “The styles change from year to year so it’s nice to keep up with the fashion. One year glitter will be in, and the next year it’s a totally new style.”

Most students do not know much about Takacs’ talent.

“I think people know that I dance, but they think it’s at any ordinary studio,” she said. “I don’t tell people about the Irish part. Besides, I’m not even Irish!”

photo courtesy of Natalie Takacs