Dancing Across Cultures: Sharing Irish Dance at Cedarville College

This week, I had the absolute joy of visiting Cedarville College to share Irish dance with Professor Sandra Yang, Ph.D., and her Global Music class. As Editor-in-Chief of Musical Offerings and Professor of Music History, Dr. Yang has built such a vibrant environment for her students to experience music and movement from around the world. It was an honor to bring the traditions of Irish dance into her classroom.

From the very first step, the students were incredible. They weren’t just eager learners—they were fantastic dancers and wonderful people, brimming with enthusiasm and joy as they tried something brand new. Watching them dive into reels and jigs with open hearts (and a lot of laughter!) was truly inspiring. At moments, the sound of their laughter while dancing felt like music itself—a reminder of how rhythm and joy go hand in hand.

I felt so fortunate to have Eloise Campbell—who trains with us in both our Dayton, OH and Troy, OH studios—by my side. Eloise brought the room to life with her beautiful reels and slip jigs, demonstrating with a blend of talent, poise, and contagious enthusiasm. Her presence turned the class into more than just a lesson in steps—it became a window into the tradition, artistry, and sense of community that make Irish dance so special.

One of my favorite parts of the day was capturing some video moments—seeing the students’ faces light up, watching them move in rhythm together, and hearing the mix of music and laughter all woven into the dance. It’s a memory I’ll treasure.

I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to visit Cedarville, to dance with such an enthusiastic and welcoming group, and to share the beauty of Irish dance with students who approached it with open arms. I left feeling so inspired—and so very lucky.