Have you always dreamt of traveling to the rolling green hills of Ireland? Do you want to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture? Get to know the Irish Dance Club! Find out how this group captivates the rhythms and graceful moves of traditional Irish dance. The Irish Dance Club is dedicated to promoting the rich tradition of Irish dance by fostering the practice and appreciation of this cultural art form. You can join whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out. The club focuses on creating a welcoming environment where everyone can learn at their own pace and have fun.

Their president, Maggie Myles, who has been in the club for the last four years, said that this organization offered her the chance to connect with her Irish heritage and try something new. “I grew up dancing, but always wanted to learn Irish Dance so I took the opportunity in college to learn this style of dance,” she stated. “As the granddaughter of two Irish Immigrants, one of my favorite parts of the Irish Dance Club is the opportunity I have had to learn about Irish culture. We have had a few people join the club because they are Irish and want to be able to connect with their culture, which I think is a really special thing.” 

It doesn’t matter if you are Irish or not. All students are encouraged to try something new and learn about the culture, just as Maggie did. 

“Getting involved in the organization provides a chance for students to learn something new, meet new people, and have fun. The Irish Dance Club is also a low-time-commitment, so a great way to get involved with something while still being able to balance all the responsibilities that come with being a college student,” she said. 

Members of the organization not only have the chance to dance with one another but also to show off their skills to the GVSU community. They hosted a showcase for the first time in over a year! Their first annual Fall Irish Dance Showcase was on November 23 in collaboration with two other cultural groups on campus. The Folk Music Club played live music for the Irish dancers and the Belly Dance Club, who has their Fall Semester Showcase this Saturday, Dec. 7 from 7-9 p.m. in the Loosemore Theater. 

“We feel really lucky to be one of the many cultural dance organizations on campus,” Maggie explained. “We have a really unique opportunity to share a piece of Irish culture through movement. It’s such a cool thing to see so many cultures being represented through dance at Grand Valley, and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

If performing or watching traditional dance is calling to you, then check out the Irish Dance, Belly Dance, and Folk Music Clubs!