Prep Week: Ten Days, Countless Steps, and One Perfect Showcase
CRN Regional Prep Week: Sweat, Smiles, and Skewers!
What a week (well… 10 days, but who’s counting?) we had at CRN Regional Prep Week! From our tiniest five-year-olds to our dedicated adults, our dancers poured their energy into footwork, posture, stamina, and brand-new material for both solo and group dances. Every single dancer showed grit, determination, and plenty of laughs along the way—because let’s face it, Irish dance practice isn’t just about steps, it’s about the joy that happens in between them.
A huge thank you goes out to our Artistic Director, Karen McCulloch Stockinger, who joined us over the weekend to share her insight and expertise. Having her eyes on our dancers gave everyone a fresh spark of motivation, and we’re so grateful for her time and wisdom.
Showcase Night Magic
And then… the showcase. Wow. 🌟
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening. The weather was stunning, the stage was alive with energy, and parents—both seasoned and brand-new—mingled, swapped stories, and cheered on the dancers. Watching the progression from Day 1 to showcase night was nothing short of inspiring. Each dancer shone a little brighter, stood a little taller, and danced with confidence that only comes from putting in the work.
The sense of community in the garden was as wonderful as the dancing. Lawn chairs, laughter, and cheers made for a magical summer evening.
The Food Deserves Its Own Trophy
Let’s be honest… we also ate really well. Our carry-in dinner was nothing short of legendary. If you have recipes to share, please pop them into the Parent Facebook Group—I think we all need more of Tim Hauser’s famous guacamole in our lives. And Tom Cooper, those Caprese skewers? Game-changer. Seriously, so good.
Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
These things don’t run themselves, so let’s give credit where credit is due:
Team Jessica (Bigalke & VanDeursen): For running line-ups and music with the precision of a championship-level ceili team.
Gavin & William: For counting with the littles and making sure the stage stayed clear of debris—thank you for just stepping up and handling it.
Maddie Campbell & Jay Bigalke: For covering the stage so beautifully it looked like it was painted on. Our dancers had a safe, non-slippery surface, and that made all the difference.
Your quiet behind-the-scenes efforts made the night seamless, and we appreciate you more than words can say.
Share Your Photos!
We’d love to see the evening through your eyes. If you snapped photos during Prep Week or at the showcase, please share them—we want to capture and celebrate these memories together.
From all of us at McGovern Irish Dance: thank you for making Prep Week a success filled with hard work, laughter, friendship, and community. Here’s to an amazing Regional season ahead!