For over 20 years, a local school has been promoting Irish culture and instilling confidence through the love of dance in students of all ages.
The Sarnia School of Irish Dance presents its 19th annual Celtic Evening at the Imperial Theatre Saturday night.
The school's dancers will perform intricate hard and soft shoe steps, sharing the stage with Celtic fiddlers, pipers and Highland dancers.
Renowned Celtic-fusion artists Rant Maggie Rant and popular local singer/musicians Jim Lahey and Caitlin Mason return as special guests.
The school was formed in 1997 by the Sarnia Irish Canadian Women's Group. It's non-competitive, focusing on traditional Irish dance in traditional costume, and has over 40 students ranging in age from four years to adult.
Mairin Ring has been a school administrator since the beginning. She says it's gratifying to see students gain confidence, improve their self-esteem and make new friends through dance.
"Somebody who maybe has been dancing for a year or two, will remember the first time they performed in public and how nervous they were," says Ring. "And you know now they're so confident and enjoying dancing with the others."
Ring says the school has become part of the community's fabric, with dancers performing at seniors' residences, nursing homes and other venues, and taking part in special events including Canada Day, Greekfest, and Artwalk.
Saturday's show begins at 7pm.
Tickets, $18 adults, $15 seniors and children, and $60 group rate of four, are available through the Imperial Theatre box office.
