A Gilbertsville teenager is preparing to take a big leap to the world stage in Ireland, writes Evan Brandt for The Reporter.
Madeleine Connolly, 17, will compete this spring in the Irish step-dancing World Championships in Dublin. Her journey began years ago after being inspired by the iconic stage show Riverdance, and that passion has only grown with time.
Madeleine trains three to four days a week at Schwenksville’s Dancing on Eire Studio of Irish Dance, where she is also a student teacher. The studio, led by Lauren Witts, regularly shares Irish dance with the community. They perform at local parades in Conshohocken and Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs games, and area nursing homes.
A senior at Coventry Christian School, Madeleine qualified for the world championships after placing among the top dancers at a regional competition last fall. While Irish step dancing plays a huge role in her life, she also hopes to pursue a future career in nursing.
This spring, Madeleine and her entire family will travel to Ireland, their first major family trip together. Beyond the competition, she’s excited to explore her heritage, visit relatives, and see landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher, famously featured in The Princess Bride.
To learn more about Madeleine’s journey to Dublin, visit The Reporter.
