The melody of the Irish step dancing music was the only thing that could be heard as the dancer stepped on stage. The dancer takes in the audience, the music, the lights, and the stage. The butterflies are gone and a smile is set on their face as they begin to dance like they never have before.

PV freshman Brendan Broesler, junior Neeve Broesler, and senior Meghan Doody all take up Irish step dancing in their free time at locally owned studios.

Both Broeslers started dancing at the age of four. Since their father currently has five dance studios throughout the tri-state area, he supported them in pursuing Irish step dancing.

Doody began at the age of eight because her mother won a free year of dance lessons with the Broesler School at a fundraiser.

“I danced competitively for eight years until I was a sophomore and now I just dance at Valley Cup, nursing homes, or churches around St. Patrick’s day,” said Doody.

B. Broesler took a few years off due to injuries in his career, but is currently back dancing now. N. Broesler danced till age 11 since she wanted to focus on her other hobbies such as basketball and softball. She went back to dancing during her freshman year. 

“When you are younger, it’s easier to dance, but when you get older there are more classes during the week depending on the competition, ” said N. Broesler.

There are usually three to four classes a week, but it depends on how competitive the dancer wants to be. The more competitive, the more classes there are available to take.

N. Broesler sees herself continuing to step dance in her future. She plans on being a dance teacher and to go to college for physical therapy. Unlike his sister, B. Broesler sees himself Irish step dancing until college.

Doody is thinking about joining an irish dancing club at University of Pennsylvania, where she will be attending next year.

Though Doody is unsure of her future in Irish step dancing, she says, “I always get nervous before performing but while I’m doing it I kind of just get into the zone and stop thinking about how nervous I am. I love to see people clapping and enjoying it because its cool to entertain people with something that you love.”