Many Dublin residents know the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance as a local treasure that showcases the city’s Irish attitude through cultural tradition and a level of professionalism that has resulted in many honors – including two world championship titles.
Now visitors can enjoy entertainment by one of the most respected names in the world of Irish dance thanks to a partnership between Richens/Timm Academy and the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Traditional Irish dance plays a significant role in Celtic culture, so the Bureau has incorporated this cherished form of expression into its list of visitor experiences. The Bureau’s “Irish Dance 101” is available to groups of 25 or more and includes a trip to Dublin’s Richens/Timm Academy, a short introduction by instructor Allanda O’Neill and a special performance by some of the school’s talented students. Visitors also learn about the costumes and history of the art form.
Student demonstrations at the Richens/Timm Academy introduce spectators to a number of soft and hard shoe dances such as the reel, slip jig, hornpipe and treble jig. Audience participation is often encouraged.
Aside from the Bureau’s Irish dance experience, the general public can enjoy watching Irish dancers at the Arnold Sports Festival, the Columbus and Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parades, the Dublin Irish Festival, and other events scheduled throughout the year including the new Jig Thursday events – Historic Dublin’s first Thursday celebrations (formerly Slainte Thursdays).
During the City of Dublin’s 2013 St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the Bureau introduced a calendar of new Irish Experiences. The list, available at www.IrishIsAnAttitude.com, includes details on upcoming live entertainment and dance performances, as well as other cultural events that are part of a new Irish Experience grant program, which offers visitors plenty o’ ways to cultivate a little Irish attitude while in Dublin.
These programs represent just a few of the opportunities the Bureau strives to deliver on its brand promise, tapping the Irish equity that exists in the Dublin name and promoting the idea that you don’t need to have Irish in your blood, just in your soul.
Scott Dring is a contributing writer and executive director of the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Feedback welcome at laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Dublin City Council supports the Irish Approved program through the City’s hotel/motel tax grant fund. Through these grants, City Council funds cultural arts, beautification projects, Historic Dublin improvements, activities that encourage visitors to Dublin and other projects that enhance Dublin. To learn more about hotel/motel tax grants, visit www.DublinOhioUSA.gov/taxgrant.
For more information about the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s many Irish experiences and offerings, visit www.IrishisanAttitude.com or www.IrishApproved.com.
