Trinity Irish Dancers Win Big at World Qualifier

Chicago (November 30, 2016)--For months, competitors from the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance have been rigorously training for the Mid-America Championships of Irish Dance (called the Oireachtas), a vibrant, culturally rich activity reminiscent of competitive sport where top qualifiers earn World Championship qualification. Each Thanksgiving weekend, the regional championships brings together competitors from 70 dancing schools across 14 participating states. This year’s competition was held in Schaumburg, IL. The Trinity Irish Dancers led all Mid-American Irish dancing schools winning 8 championship titles.

Lucinda Stocco, age 10, from Western Springs placed 9th out of 155 competitors. Flynn Monahan, age 15, also from Western Springs, placed 15th out of 159 competitors. Both dancers earned their way to the World Championships which takes place April 9-16 in Dublin, Ireland. Flynn and Lucianda both started Irish dance taking beginner lessons at the Western Springs Village Club Association where Trinity Academy holds weekly classes. Both girls say their favorite reason to keep dancing is to continue their life long friendships with fellow dancers.

Flynn’s mother, Tricia Monahan, is a former champion Trinity dancer herself, which is how Flynn started dancing. To bring things full circle, Tricia grew up dancing with Flynn’s instructor Deirdre Vrbancic, who will now be coaching Flynn as she continues on the path to compete at the Worlds.

Deirdre Vrbancic states, “We see this type multi-generational dedication to Trinity a lot, which makes it only more meaningful to watch our kids learn the resilience that will make them successful leaders in life. I couldn't be more proud of the hard work, team spirit, and graciousness I saw demonstrated by the dancers this weekend. I am honored to train and watch as these dancers go on to represent Trinity and Western Springs at the Worlds."

While Trinity Irish Dancers has won an unprecedented 36 world titles,more than any other dance school in North American history, instructors encourage dancers to focus on the journey, rather than the trophies. Their powerful philosophy of empowerment teaches students life lessons both on and off the dance floor, and the importance of having fun while developing self-respect and confidence.

In celebration of the success Trinity would like to invite you to learn the Jig from some of the nation’s top dancers and celebrate with your local world qualifiers as we offer a free lesson at our home studios located at 747 N Church Rd, Unit A5, Elmhurst, IL 60126. The lesson will be held at 12:30 pm and will last 30 minutes. Afterwards, take the opportunity to meet some of our local champions!

About Trinity Academy of Irish Dance:Trinity Academy welcomes dancers between three and a half and ten. From the first class, dancers learn poise, confidence, discipline and balance through teamwork and leadership. Dancers determine their own level of participation, whether it be competitive or purely recreational. Instructors use a distinct,noncompetitive teaching method that places children on a journey,teaching the beauty of the dance form as well as cultural and life lessons along the way. Trinity’s team dancers have garnered an unprecedented 36 world titles for the United States. Trinity dancers have appeared on nearly every major television network in the U.S.through the following guest appearances: “Conan," “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “CBS This Morning,” Good Morning America,” “The Martha Stewart Show.” Trinity Academy of Irish Dance has convenient locations in Chicagoland, the greater Milwaukee area, and Madison. They are currently accepting new enrollment for the 2016-17 school year.Locations include: Elmhurst, Lakeview, Chicago's Northwest Side,Chicago's West Loop, Palatine and Western Springs in Illinois, and theMilwaukee, Brookfield, Grafton, Muskego, Sun Prairie, and Verona in Wisconsin. For more information, call 877-326-2328 or visit www.trinityirishdance.com