Former World Champion All-Ireland Dancer Niall O’Leary will be taking part in the New York City Irish Dance Festival 2024 which will feature Irish dance and music, talks, performances, and workshops all taking place at Pier 1 on the Hudson River on May 5th.
The Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance, which is the largest dance school in all of New York City, has been training people since 1995 and had expanded to have locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, and even Mexico.
“Irish dancing is in a good place artistically right now. Lots of people are passionate about it and the culture is spreading” O’Leary said, in a previous interview with the Irish Star. “We’re seeing Irish dancing take off in places like Ohio and Washington which, before Riverdance, would be unheard of. There have certainly been various distractions over the years… but we’re all moving with it.
“People are challenging each other to be innovative. It’s an exciting time to be part of Irish dancing. The passion on display… shows how much Irish dancing has really captured people’s hearts and imaginations across the world.”
Additionally, Irish language TikTok star Vivienne O’Sayers Callaghan, from Co Cork, who will be hosting a Pop-Up Gaeltacht.