Celtic Spirit Dance School Delights Ave Maria

The busiest time of the year for Irish dancers is right around the corner. Friday, March 1st, the Celtic Spirit School of Irish Dance performed their first show of the season at Ave Maria. 

Founded in 2009, Celtic Spirit has been inspiring youth from Marco Island, Naples, and Ave Maria to partake in traditional Irish step dancing for 15 years. Dancer’s ages range from four to 19. Located in Southwest Florida, Celtic Spirit performs local shows for various events and has made numerous appearances in both the Marco Island and Naples St. Patrick's Day parades. 

All year round, dancers of Celtic Spirit prepare for March. Between competing, school activities, and other extracurriculars, these dancers find the time to work on their show choreography for these few upcoming weeks. This is their busiest season, this year having over a dozen shows in just a short amount of time. 

“One of the things that makes us unique is that we really strive for team dancing and a team mentality.” Said Catherine Gorman Cordova, lead teacher of Celtic Spirit. “We try to have a fun atmosphere by allowing dancers to choose whether they want to compete or perform.”

Catherine Gorman Cordova started the school with her sister, Claire, over a decade ago. The two of them were raised locally and have been Irish dancing themselves for their whole lives.

Nine years ago, the Celtic Spirit School of Irish Dance was invited to perform for the Lord Mayor in Cork, Ireland. Additionally, the Irish dancers have made several appearances dancing in Disney Springs, performing at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, and more.

The Celtic Spirit School of Irish Dance has a busy month ahead of them and will finally be able to perform exactly what they have been waiting all year for.