The Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance recently celebrated its 3-year anniversary by hosting it's third annual recital at Reed Intermediate School on May 18th. The production, entitled "CIRQUÉIRE," took it's 400+ audience members on a magical and mystical circus themed journey. It featured both light shoe and heavy shoe numbers including "Magical Unicorns," "Masters of the Big Top," "Illusionists" and "Clowning Around."
The student body at the academy is build of over 90 students ranging from 4 years old up through 25 and ranging from beginner level up through championship. This year, the academy celebrated three regional champions, nine qualifiers for the National Championships to be held in Vancouver, Canada this July and two solo qualifiers and a team for the World Championships which were held in April.
The academy opened in May of 2016 and is owned and instructed by husband and wife team, Craig and Christina Ashurst of Newtown. The pair of certified Irish dance instructors met on tour in the touring production, Riverdance, and also toured with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance and Celtic Woman.
The academy is currently enrolling classes in Newtown and Danbury for its month long June session (ages 4+) as well as summer camps (5+). Information can be found at http://www.ashurstirishdance.com or by calling (203) 928-0689.