The Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance recently celebrated their dancers with a “Gala for the Stars” event. Offered in both virtual and in person formats, the event celebrated the hard work, persistence, teamwork and determination the dancers have displayed all year and throughout the pandemic. Small groups of dancers took the floor at the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown and on Zoom to showcase their love of dance, progress and all they’ve learned for intimate audiences.
Dancers as young as four years old danced on stage for the first time, full of joy and excitement, and experienced, seasoned dancers inspired audiences with their intricate, advanced footwork.
The Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance is directed by former stars of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Christina Dolzall-Ashurst and Craig Ashurst. The local couple both hold certification from Dublin, Ireland to teach Irish dancing and their students are looking forward to competing in the US Championships this July in Phoenix, Arizona as well as the World Championships in Belfast, Ireland next April. The dancing school has also been voted "Connecticut's Best Dance Studio for Kids."