Annie Wier of Inver Grove Heights has been studying Irish dance since she was five. (She received her IMDA Decade of Dance Award in 2017.) Actually, she began her study before that – by watching her older sister’s dance class from the hallway and practicing at home. Most recently, Annie has been studying with the Mulhern School of Irish Dance. Annie is devoted to her study of Irish dance – estimating that she’s devoted about seven thousand hours in classes, private classes and workshops. At age 11, Annie put together her own personal dance practice area – using old boards from previous shows, mirrors cadged from Craig’s List and a ballet barre made of old pipes. (Her dad was her partner for that project.)

The thrill of Irish dance is very much alive in this young dancer. She tells us that “every time I lace up my shoes, it feels as blissful and new as the first time. The joy I get from dancing … can be matched by no other feeling in this world.” Annie’s dance teacher speaks very warmly about Annie: “Annie is a brilliant example of everything Irish dance and culture represents. Her motivation and discipline drive her personal success, but her affinity for tradition and service has led her to spread her love for Irish dance to all around her.”

Annie was delighted when she first heard about the World Championships and set her sights on participating. Her hard work and discipline have helped her reach that goal – she competed in the World Championships in Dublin, Ireland in the Fall of 2017.

While she enjoys competing, Annie also enjoys performing at the many community events that welcome Irish dancers – nursing homes, schools, hospitals and community centers. She especially enjoys the nursing home audiences – who love to clap along and smile during the performances – and visiting with the audiences after the shows. Annie contributes to the community as a volunteer for Irish dance events, including managing the beginner stages at competitions.
Like many young dancers, Annie was “blown away” when she first saw Riverdance: The Show and she “knew right away that she wanted to be on stage with them one day.” Annie was accepted into the Riverdance Academy in Boston this past Summer. The school is led by Riverdance professionals; it teaches the iconic choreography, along with the training and nutritional guidance for professional dancers. Her IMDA Educational Grant helped with the travel and tuition costs for the program. Annie’s mom tells us that Annie said “it was one of the best weeks of her life!” The program included the opportunity to meet Ciara Sexton, a dancer who has inspired Annie for many years.

The Irish Music and Dance Association is delighted to help this dedicated young dancer continue to pursue her dreams.