Performance Group Shines at the St. Patrick's Day Parade Benefit

The members of the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers were out last Sunday at Quincy’s for the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser. Both dancers and onlookers filled the newly-refurbished local watering hole. Chuck and Maureen organized the Performance Group: Bill, Connie, Sharon C, Chris, Pat G, Bobbie, Tom, Sharon P, Evelyn, Maura, Marie, and Michelle. Sonja helped with the lineups and Kate introduced each dance. It went off without a hitch. The appreciative audience included: Judy, Mary Ann, Bob, Mary, Christine, Marilyn O, and Obie. Linda, usually a performer, was wearing her Harp and Shamrock hat as she sold merchandise to support the parade. We also saw old friends in the hall: Brian (playing the bagpipes), Kevin, Ann, Don, and Brenna. There are more pictures in our photo album. Now it's on to the Gaithersburg St. Patrick's Day parade on March 11.

Marilyn Moore Teaches a Workshop

Marilyn Moore’s dance-calling talents are known far and wide and on Wednesday, Feb. 22, nine RKIDs got a firsthand glimpse of the reason. She was invited to teach and call dances for the Columbia International Folk Dancers. Bill, Madelyn, Emmett, Ron, Marie, Tom, Sonja, Obie, and Marilyn O attended to lend their support. Marilyn began with an overview of steps and holds for the 36 students.

That led to a waltz, the Siege of Ennis, the Haymakers’ Jig, a few figures of some simple sets, and ended with an introduction to the Connemara Set's footwork. While the kinds of dances they normally practice don't rely so much on couples, the Columbia group quickly and enthusiastically caught on to all the dances. The RKIDs were impressed. “These people are GOOD dancers,” proclaimed Bill. The evening, which began at the Olney Ale House for some of the RKIDs, was a rousing success.