Landing School Students Step Into Irish Heritage

In celebration of Irish-American Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day, Landing School students recently enjoyed a lesson in culture and history led by 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Willix.

During a special assembly, Ms. Willix introduced students to the art of Irish Step Dancing. She explained that in the 1600s, when many Irish traditions were restricted, people danced in secret to preserve their culture. This history created the iconic style we see today: fast footwork paired with a perfectly still upper body. 

To bring the lesson to life, Ms. Willix showcased the professional gear used in competitions. A comparison of Irish dance shoes, "hard shoes" with fiberglass tips for percussion and "soft shoes" for graceful toe-pointing. A stunning, custom-made dress featuring heavy embroidery and crystals designed to catch the light on stage. An explanation of traditional ringlets and the modern use of wigs to ensure a uniform look for dancers. 

After watching clips of both Riverdance and high-level competitions, students learned a basic step themselves. 

The celebration also featured a performance by a professional bagpiper, filling the school with traditional sounds.

Outside of Landing School, Ms. Willix shares her expertise by teaching Irish Step dance at a local studio on Long Island. A huge thank you to Ms. Willix for volunteering her time and talent to make this cultural experience possible for our students.Happy St. Patrick’s Day!