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 Edmond Town Hall and on Zoom to showcase their love of dance, progress, and all that they have 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 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.

Their students are looking forward to competing in the US Championships next month in Phoenix, Ariz., as well as the World Championships in Belfast, Ireland, next April.

The dancing school has been voted Connecticut’s Best Dance Studio for Kids by Mommy Poppins.

The academy is enrolling beginners for summer camps and will soon have enrollment open for the fall 2021 season. Additional information can be found at ashurstirishdance.com.