Dublin Bound: Students Practice for Irish Dance Championship

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we though we'd turn our camera lens to the Drake School of Dance for our weekly Viewfinder.

Did you know that right here in the southeast we have one of the strongest schools of Irish Dance? It was created 21 years ago by Karl Drake in Atlanta and South Florida and since it’s inception, the school has expanded into Alabama, Tennessee and Mexico City, Mexico. Through the expert tutilage of Mr. Drake, the school has produced numerous Regional and National champions and World Medal holders.

Drake has a biography that reads like a “Who’s Who In the Irish Dance World.” His education includes the T.C.R.G. which is the Irish Dancing Teachers Association in Dublin Ireland, the Golden School of Irish Dance in New York City and the O’Shea School of Irish Dance, again in Dublin, Ireland. Check out Drake’s many achievements and awards at his website: http://www.drakedance.com/IrishDance/Home.html.

I must tell you that upon entering the Drake School of Irish Dance at Rainbow Crossing Shopping Center, 6025 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, I was impressed with the gentle demeanor of this Irish Dance Master. His students who come from around Georgia and Mexico, reflect his warmth, professionalism and dedication to the art. Watching his young people dance is like watching poetry in motion.

Drake is preparing 23 of his students, who range in age from 7-21, for the World Irish Dancing Championship which will be held April 17-23  in Dublin, Ireland.