Oireachtas

Always On Their Toes

Jeff Meade — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:22:20 -0600

For the contestants at the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas at the Philadelphia Midtown Marriott, not dancing was not an option.

2007 Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:19:06 -0600

Teaser

Oireachtas (o-RUCK-tus) is an Irish word, literally meaning "gathering." But what it really means is a big annual competition of dancers. This big gathering took place just after Thanksgiving at the Marriot in Center City. Here are a few of our photos.

Body

The villagers

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:22:08 -0600

These are the villagers in the O'Malley Irish Dance Academy's interpretation of the Druidic folk tale, from left: Maggie, Molly, PJ, Brittney and Brigid.

The hills are alive

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:19:46 -0600

Alive with evil trees, that is. Here they are in all their leafy glory, from left: Norah, Erin, Shannon and Kim.

Evil tree

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:16:27 -0600

This is Kim, from the O'Malley Irish Dance Academy, of Brooklyn and Breezy Point. She designed the costume for her school's entry in the dance drama competition. The dancers were performing their interpretation of an old Druidic story about evil trees that stole children from a village.

Dancing as if no one is watching

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:10:57 -0600

At that age - before they get older and competition becomes serious - they seem to be able to do just that. This dancer from the Caitrin Academy in Skippick was prancing about with other members of her group in the hallway outside the competition hall.

Last-minute primping

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:07:25 -0600

Happy trio

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:05:24 -0600

Posing prior to entering the competition hall.

All smiles

Jeff Meade — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:54:19 -0600

Caught these two clowning around before their event.