Local teen becomes North American champion

ENTERTAINMENT

Local teen becomes North American champion

Erinn Brown, of The McGinley School of Irish Dance, competed in the North American Minor Cup held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and came home as the Under 13 champion. Erinn, 13, traveled with her teacher Roisin McGinley to this prestigious competition, after qualifying to compete there. "It was an extremely difficult as only the best of the best were there," said Clair McGinley-Faloona, co-owner of the school. "The competitors danced three rounds and Erinn was awarded the highest overall result-- making her the winner of the North American Minor Champion title." "I was so excited when I walked up to the front of the stage, I couldn't believe it!," said Erinn. "Then when the award was presented to me I felt very proud and honored to have won the minor cup. After I walked off the stage I also felt really good about achieving this goal and I was excited to see that I was the first Canadian to win this cup." Erinn has also won her regional Oireachtas, placed as high as seventh and 14th at the Worlds, both times being the top Canadian and has placed 11th at the All Irelands. Erinn continues to be the top Canadian in North America for her age group three years running. The McGinley School of Irish Dance is a well established Irish dance school, under the direction of two sisters. Clair McGinleyFaloona has been involved in the Irish dance community for the past 30 years and is a fully eradicated teacher and adjudicator qualified by the Irish Dance Commision in Dublin, Ireland. Roisin McGinley an Eastern Canadian Champion, with National, All-Ireland and World Champion placings. Roisin was the only female dancer from eastern Canada to ever tour world-wide with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. Roisin is a certified teacher with the Irish Dance Commision in Dublin, Ireland. The dancers of the academy compete and hold many local, national and international titles. This year at the World Championships, held in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Academy brought home two world medals. This summer the dancers also competed in The North American Irish Dance Championships (Nationals) held in San Diego, California where the dancers placed extremely high: top Canadians placed in three age categories. This competition also qualifies them to represent Canada in the World Championships of Irish Dance, to be held next Easter in Glasgow, Scotland. The academy is accepting new students for the fall program. For information regarding classes in Georgetown, Brampton, Norval and Milton please call 905-873-4153 or e-mail: mcginleygirls@sympatico.ca or visit the website: www.mcginleyacademy.com. Erinn Brown