DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Creating art is one of the greatest joys in my life, and while in college I've upheld my commitment to such an activity not only through my course curriculum, but also through personal endeavors and extracurricular activities on campus. Specifically, I've maintained my pursuit of a music and/or photography career, as well as, involvement in a performance form for which I have always held a fascination; Irish Dance.

 

Coming from Irish heritage, I have consistently been interested in Celtic tradition, yet until college have not had the chance to explore the engaging art form of Irish Step Dancing. Therefore, I joined the Irish Dance Club freshman year and with guidance from the numerous talented dancers, who make up this group, have had the opportunity to learn this fantastic dance style over the past four years. This club has provided me with a whole new array of performance occasions – allowing for my participation in various campus-wide events, throughout the years. Additionally, I am delighted to now be the Vice President, during my last year as a senior club member!

 

Particularly, the semi-annual Manhattanville Dance Ensemble Showcase is the largest of our reoccurring dance shows. This is such a great event, in part because it allows for collaboration between the various dance groups on campus, to produce a cooperative display of such an extensive continuum of talent. The widespread attendance of this event by students, faculty, staff, family, and friends establishes it as a supreme platform on which to display our performance style to the college, as well as to engage others to participate in Irish Step Dancing in the future. Additionally, in light of the tremendous success of the first-annual Manhattanville College ‘Irish Night’ hosted by our club last year, we had the event again this semester on Friday April 1, 2011 - organized in part as a post St. Patrick’s Day party, as well as, a general celebration of Irish culture. The festivities included wonderful musical and dance performances, not only from members of our club, but also from other current students and alumni. There was also an abundance of traditional Irish refreshments served, to compliment the night’s events. Overall, it proved to be a great success, winning the club award for best international event on campus last year and hopefully again for this year! Therefore, we aim to continue this tradition, leaving it as our legacy for future club members and hoping that in time it will soon become a staple event on Manhattanville’s calendar!

 

In summation, I have found many niches at Manhattanville College, and I am so glad to attend a school where such a diverse array of both academic and extracurricular opportunities is provided. 

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.