WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg Lodge will play host to the An Chomhdhail USA Irish Dance Alliance North American Championships June 27-29.
An Chomhdhail is the largest Irish dance organization in Ireland. The U.S. Chapter, the USA IDA, is one of 29 branches worldwide.
Sean Cousland, a professional Irish dancer and current cast member of Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, is helping to plan the inaugural competition.
“Irish dancing is very much a cultural thing. They are very strict and it is such a sport and art form. It is so highly intense on the body, but it’s so beautiful to watch. With the music and the dancing and everybody coming together to watch and celebrate the dancing, it’s very cool to see,” Cousland said.
On Friday afternoon, dancers will participate in grade exams. These exams offer An Chomhdháil dancers an opportunity to achieve recognized certification while refining their technique, rhythm, and artistry. Open to dancers of all levels, grade exams serve as an excellent way to measure progress and set new goals for continued growth.
“The exam is very intense. You have to know all the 30 team dances and the six traditional set dances. You have to have steps in every dance, in every level prepared. It is very much a culture and heritage that they don’t want to lose,” Cousland explained.
Friday will also see traditional set workshops for participants. The six dances are traditional Irish dance choreography that has been passed down from dance masters through the years.
“No matter what school you go to, no matter where you are in the world, those set dances will be taught the same exact way,” Cousland explained.
During the competition on Saturday, hundreds of dancers from beginner to advanced will compete for the title of national champion. Competition continues on Sunday before the competitors get to experience a VIP showing of Celtic Fyre.
The competition, as well as the vendor fair, is free and open to the public. Plans are underway to bring the competition back to Williamsburg in 2026.
For more information, visit usairishdancealliance.com.