CV Student Triumphs At Irish Dance Championships

Natalie Raff, who turned 13 in early July, is a veteran of Irish dance competitions. The student of certified teacher Sara Locke of the Hooley School of Irish Dance in Brownstown, which is directed by Crystal Carper, has participated in four national competitions and has traveled to Ireland three times and to Scotland once to take part in contests there as well.

But even with that experience, Raff's family members found themselves "jumping up and down and screaming" when Raff was named as one of the three top champions in the under-13 age group at the U.S. National Irish Dance Championships, held in Phoenix, Ariz., from July 6 through 10. About 300 dancers took part in the under-13 age category, so the group was divided into thirds and a winner named for each group. The grouping is based on the competitor's age on Jan. 1. Raff is the first Hooley dancer to be named a winner in the competition.

Raff said she did not expect to win. "I haven't won anything that big before," said the teenager, who uses a meditation program to calm her pre-performance jitters. "I thought I danced my personal best, but it's up to the judges." Raff noted that the competition appeared formidable.

To earn the top spot, Raff competed in hard and soft shoe categories and a third category called "set," which is performed solo in hard shoes. The set competition allows the dancer to choose music and show off his or her best moves.

Raff said that she knew she was among the top 12 dancers when her number was called to go up on stage after the competition, but anticipation grew as she waited while all the other contestants in her group were ranked before the judges counted down the top contestants starting with number 12.

Although COVID-19 restrictions decreased the number of competitions Raff could take part in over the last 18 months, she looks forward to competing in the 13 and over category during the next year. She noted that because most competitions are held on weekends or during the summer, she intends to continue to compete throughout her high school years. With a schedule that includes seven hours of lessons each week, plus practice time, maybe there will be more championships in her future.

Readers who are interested in learning more about the Hooley School may visit https://www.hooleyirishdance.com.