On Friday April 21 as part of the Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival 2023 (7.30pm, at Kilfenora Community Hall) a concert will celebrate talented young dancers and musicians. The dance schools of two notable dance teachers will be particularly featured.
Aibhin Ní Chodhlán is a highly successful step-dance teacher and accomplished dancer from Kilfenora. Pupils at her Céim ar Chéim School of Sean Nós dance regularly compete at the top level, frequently emerging as winners at competitions such as at the Oireachtas na Samhna and Fleadh Cheoil. She and her pupils have performed with the celebrated Kilfenora Céilí Band on multiple occasions. Accordionist Mark Burke from Ennistymon will provide the music.
Karine Luçon from Brittany leads the Avalon Celtic Dance company (est 2004) and is a principal dance teacher at the Nantes Irish Dancing Academy. She has taught Irish dancing since 1995 – including workshops in Clare – and was the first French dancer to attain TMRF céilí dance accreditation from the Irish Dancing Commission (CLRG). Her troupes perform at major festivals and feature Irish dance world champions. An expert bodhran player as well as dancer, she has played in many bands as well as performing with her dance troupes. Music accompaniment will be provided by her son Francois Luçon (uillean pipes) and 3 locally based musicians – Caiomhe McMahon (fiddle), Charlie le Brun (flute) and Aoife Kelly (concertina, whose famous family music tradition stretches back generations). Dancers appearing come from Belfast, Dublin, Kerry and Brittany.
There will be additional musical contributions featuring local talent, including Rachel Reid and her pupils from the Anam Cara School of Music in Lisdoonvarna. Thanks to all those providing their services for free.
This is a community, not-for-profit concert. Ticket prices are just €10 and €5 for under-12s. Tickets are available on the door. Come promptly to be sure to get in!
