CHICAGO'S TRINITY IRISH DANCERS BRING HOME ELUSIVE GOLD MEDAL FROM 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN IRISH DANCING
Renowned Trinity Academy of Irish Dance Only U.S. Team to Win Gold Medal in History of Competition


/Dance News Articles/ - CHICAGO, IL, April 20, 2007 - It's been nearly ten years since one of the most highly acclaimed Irish dance schools in the world, Chicago's Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, brought home a gold medal for the U.S. But, the luck o' the Irish was with them when Trinity's Junior Girls Figure dance choreography took first place at the 37th World Championship in Irish Dancing held in Glasgow, Scotland. Over the past ten days, Trinity also captured two silver medals and one bronze, bringing their 22-year medal count to an unprecedented 28 world titles, seven of which are gold medals. Trinity maintains the distinction of being the first and only American team to have ever brought home a gold medal for the U.S.

Trinity Academy will proudly display its first place trophy through 2008. Additionally, each team member received a gold medal to commemorate the World Championship, which is considered the "Olympics" of Irish dance. Trinity was also well-represented by a group of talented young soloists, led by Jillian Oury of Downers Grove, IL, who placed 2nd out of 120 competitors in the Girls 16-17 division. More than 40 students from Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison traveled to Scotland to be part of championships.

The Trinity Academy of Irish Dance offers classes in 10 locations throughout the Chicago area and on the Northwest side, Bridgeport, the South Loop. Lakeview, St. Charles, Western Springs, Downers Grove, Northfield, Arlington Heights and its newest location in Elmhurst. Spring registration is now being taken in Elmhurst and St. Charles. Summer and Fall registrations are now being taken at all locations. Classes are also offered in Wisconsin in the Milwaukee, Madison and Appleton areas. For more information, call 773-774-5961 or visit www.trinityirishdancers.com.


Winning at the World Championship
The prestigious World Championship is the pinnacle of an Irish dancer's career. Over 4,000 students representing 330 schools from as far away as South Africa to Australia, gathered for seven days of competition. Team coaches included Deirdre Mahoney and Sheila Ryan of Chicago, both former World Championship winners. Mahoney attributes the team's win to innovative choreography and the strong Midwest work ethic of her dancers. "None of the team members had any prior experience at this level of competition, so winning a gold medal proved to each of them that they can accomplish whatever they choose to do in life or on stage," Mahoney said.

Since winning his first world title in 1985, Mark Howard, Trinity founder and co-choreographer of the winning dance, has always been proud that his school isn't afraid to push boundaries and take chances with its choreography. "This year, we intentionally raised the bar on the competition. Not only did our older kids dance brilliantly, but the Under 13 team executed what had to have been one of the most difficult routines ever performed by that age group at the World Championship," said Howard. "It was truly an amazing performance that forced three standing ovations midway through the dance and a standing ovation at the end. We were told this was unprecedented behavior for an international audience at the world competition."

What has become an internationally renowned Chicago institution was founded nearly 24 years ago with just 20 students in a North side neighborhood church basement by a gifted teacher with great vision - Mark Howard. In Trinity's unique program, instructors focus on the importance of having fun while developing self-respect and confidence in their students. The Trinity program is held together by a powerful philosophy of empowerment that teaches students life lessons both on and off the dance floor.

The Trinity Irish Dancers have appeared in feature films and on national television shows, such as their recent appearance on the "Today" show and past performances on "The Tonight Show," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee," "CBS This Morning," "Good Morning, America!" and "Martha."

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