Irish dance makes her world smaller

Thursday, March 31, 2005

By RAY ROUTHIER, Staff Writer

At the age of 13, Mairead Stillson has danced her way around the world.

The 8th grader from Gorham returned recently from the World Championships of Irish Dancing ‚ Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne ‚ in Ennis, Ireland.

She was one of 132 girls in her age group who qualified for the event. When the field was cut to 47, Mairead didn't make the cut.

Still, she had a great time and is looking forward to competing in the upcoming European and North American Irish dance championships.

Her name, by the way, is Irish for Margaret and pronounced like parade with an M.

Q: What was it like being at the world championships of Irish dance? Were you nervous?

A: The worlds were absolutely amazing. All of the top dancers from around the world were there. It was just an honor to be there. I really wasn't that nervous, only in my first round because it was my first time at the worlds.

Q: What was the best thing about being there? A: I think the best thing about being there was meeting and making new friends from all over. The girl I was on stage with was there at the worlds for her first time too. Also, the fact that I was there was my dream come true.

Q: What was the toughest thing about being there?

A: The toughest thing about being there was getting used to the time change. I was so tired the first few days, I didn't know if I could dance my best, but then the third day I was fine. Also, as you can imagine, the competition is so intense because it involves the best of the best.

Q: How did you become interested in Irish dance?

A: You can say I was born into it. My mom (Carlene Stillson) is the only certified teacher in the state of Maine. Her aunt taught her how to dance, so it is in the family. My mom gave me the choice to dance, but I really wanted to do it when I was young and I have just stuck with it.

Q: Is Irish dancing and Irish step dancing the same thing?

A: Irish step dancing is a form of Irish dancing. There is also set dancing and Ceili, both of which are group dances. Ceili is more traditional, and set dancing is more contemporary and repetitious.

Q: Is it hard on your feet? Do you do special exercises to toughen your feet?

A: Sometimes it can be hard on my feet. As Irish dancers we get blisters, broken toes, feet and ankles, sprains, etc. We do many exercises before we begin class, especially ones to strengthen our ankles.

Q: What do you like about Irish dancing?

A: The thing I like most about Irish dancing is that our dance class is more like a family. In the champion class, we see each other many times a week, so we are very close. The friends you make through Irish dancing last you for a lifetime, I don't know what I would do without them. Irish dancing has given me many opportunities as well. I have traveled all over the world.

Q: Is it hard to learn?

A: Irish Dance can be as hard as you want it to be. The more you practice the easier it becomes. Irish Dance takes a lot of balance, coordination and endurance. You need to be able to dance a step on your right foot and then repeat it on your left.

Q: How many hours a week do you practice?

A: When I was training for the worlds I practiced for about two hours a day. I try to keep that practice up so that my technique and stamina don't decline. I also go to class with my mom about three to four times a week.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies besides Irish dancing?

A: I used to enjoy to play field hockey, but I had to stop because of the busy dance schedule. I am not in any school sports because my training is so intense and I need to focus on my goals, like coming up I am going to the European Championships and later the North American Irish Dancing Championships. I need time to train! I do play the violin, which I enjoy very much. If I didn't do Irish dance I think I would like to be on a swim team, I like to swim very much.

Q: Do you think you will still dance as an adult? Do you want to teach, or maybe perform professionally?

A: I think I will compete until I am 18 or older. I want to become a certified teacher so that I can teach with my mom. Before I become a teacher, I do want to perform in a professional show such as "Lord of The Dance" or "Riverdance."

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at: rrouthier@pressherald.com