March 3, 2011 - 5:07pm
Campus Clubs: Léim Irish Dance
BY CLAIRE GOSCICKI
Léim, the Gaelic word for leap, defines the type of dance practiced in the Léim Irish Dance club: a combination of high-energy leaps and lifts.
But for club member Andrew Berry, an LSA senior, it took a little longer than most to get his feet off the ground.
“I could only do the Macarena and Cotton-Eyed Joe (dances),” Berry said jokingly. “And now I’m the director.”
Since joining the group, Berry’s developed an appreciation for dance. And though the group combines Irish themed music and dances with other types of dance, Berry said its an appreciation for all types of dance that ties the group together.
“We do a variety of things. We don’t stick to just Irish music. We’ve had songs that combine tap and Irish, ballet and Irish and hip hop and Irish,” Berry explained.
The unique, non-competitive performance group formed about 11 years ago, when a small but ambitious bunch began dancing around campus, Berry said. Since then, the group has grown to 30 members and performs a couple times each year across campus.
The group also has had the opportunity to perform off campus at cultural festivals and at other venues, including the Michigan Theater on East Liberty Street.
The most anticipated showcase of the group's work is a show put on each year during winter semester. Performances include male and female couple numbers, which Berry said tend to be crowd favorites.
“The guys are a little hesitant to come out,” he admitted.
But Berry hopes to dismiss prospective male and female dancers’ intimidation by establishing an environment in which dancers with any level of experience are welcomed, adding that he’s “improved tremendously” since joining the group.
“Dancing’s also helped me in a lot of other things,” he said. “Before college I was an athlete…I use my muscles now in different ways.”
