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Community Corner

A Sibling Scenario: Fox Point and Bayside Youth Storm the Stage

Performance Saturday by the Trinity Irish Dancers.

Click, click, clap, in strategic unison, their perfectly polished black shoes diligently tap as the Trinity Irish Dancers float across the stage. But it's not just the dance and culture that binds these performers, sometimes it's blood.

Two sets of siblings, one from Fox Point and one from Bayside, have been performing with the dance academy for over four years, and none of them are even in their teens yet.

Mary Grace and Connor Elliot live in Bayside. Both are seven years old and began their dancing careers with Trinity at the early age of three. All four will be performing at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School on Saturday.

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“My daughter saw the Trinity Irish Dancers perform and instantly wanted to join,” Deidre Elliot, their mother, said. “The experience with this troop has been a very positive one for both my children in different ways. My son is quite introverted and has built up his self-confidence by performing in front of his peers who cheer him on. My daughter, who has always been more extroverted and high energy, has had the chance to learn the necessary patience when conquering a new routine.”

While some kids would be fearful of performing for large audiences, these dauntless dancers are the exception. After dancing during packed events like Irish Fest and local recitals,  they are fearless when it comes to getting up on stage.

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“Joining the academy at such a young age has allowed both to have no concept of stage fright. They actually get really excited prior to performing. Mary Grace is already counting down the days,” Elliot said.

Joining the Elliots will be the Gullickson sisters, Kailey, 14, and Amanda, 12, of Fox Point. They first discovered the art of Irish dance at a summer camp five years ago. Immediately following, they signed up for lessons at the Trinity Academy.

“We dance together in the same group,” Kailey said. “It is really a lot of fun and a great opportunity to be able to practice the routines together.”

But just like the Elliots, the Gullicksons have no fear of the stage, exploding with excitement when they describe their rhythmic renditions.

“I love the competitions and performances!" Kailey said. "We wear our beautiful dresses and show off all that we have learned to our parents, family and friends.” Kailey hopes to continue dancing for Trinity until she graduates from high school.

Inspire will include new choreography, as well as old favorites including “The Dawn,” “Celtic Tiger” and “Johnny.” The program also incorporates special performances by Trinity II, the junior touring company, Men of Trinity, and dancers fresh from the World Championships in Dublin, Ireland.

Both the Elliots and Gullicksons will take the stage during the 2 p.m. performance and Connor will also participate in the Men of Trinity show at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-18. Advance tickets to the performance can be purchased by emailing info@trinitydance.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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