Dancer Caidence O’Rourke, 13, of Brooklyn Center fell in love with Irish Dance after watching the documentary “the Big Jig.” Caidence is an active 7th Grader with lots of interests. In addition to Irish dance, Caidence does tap, ballet and lyrical dance as well as playing both acoustic and electric guitar. Her dance teacher tells us that she is also an aspiring artist, who hopes to someday become an Art therapist. Caidence dances with the Hudson Irish Dance Academy in Wayzata.

Her recommender tells us that “in the last year Caidence has set goals for herself competitively, and has worked tirelessly to exceed them, earning the opportunity to compete in the 2019 Mid America Oireachtas and at the 2020 North American Irish Dance Championships in Nashville.” Caidence will use her Educational Grant for classes to prepare her for reaching her goals at Nationals and Oireachtas.

Caidence has been studying Irish dance for seven years. She enjoys both performing and competing, especially participating at Irish Fair and IMDA’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities as well as performing in the community. Caidence also enjoys helping to teach the beginners at her dance school. Her recommender tells us “the beginners love to work with her and it is exciting to see her passion for dance be shared with the next generation of Irish Dancers. She is an incredible role model for the beginners and for her fellow classmates, she shows strength in her individual confidence, proficiency in dance, and being a leader in and outside of the dance studio.”

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