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When you ask Meghan Gibbons what she want to accomplish when it comes to competitive Irish Dancing, her answer is very simple and direct.
“I want to win a championship,” she said.
Meghan, 9, attended the North American Irish Dancing Championships over the Fourth of July weekend in Orlando, Fla., and finished in eighth place among 78 other dancers at her age and skill level. The event drew a total of 2,900 dancers from across the globe.
After taking 22nd place in 2009, Meghan said she was very happy with the results of her recent competition.
Meghan has been doing traditional Trinity Irish Dancing since she was about 5, said her mother, Maureen Gibbons.
“She really enjoys it, and as long as she does, we will continue to support her,” her mother said. “We do a lot of traveling for dance competitions and practices, but we do lots of carpooling with other parents, so it works out.”
Meghan qualified for the national championships after winning a silver medal in the regional competition last November, and her eighth place finish was a substantial improvement from the previous year.
In fact, she did so well this year, that she has already qualified for the nationals for next year, where Meghan said she hopes to keep improving.
“I just want to keep doing the best I can each time,” she said. “And I always want to win.”
One of her dance teachers at Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, Sheila Ryan, said Meghan has dancing in her blood.
“Meghan has showed potential since she first started dancing.” Ryan said. “She brings a very natural talent to the stage.”
Notable
Gibbons is a student of Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, which has locations in Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Western Springs and Chicago.
& quotable
“When I am preparing for a competition, I usually practice about three to four days a week, after I do my homework,” Meghan said. “Most practices are an hour or two each day.”
Goals and aspirations
“I will continue to do dance as long at is fun for me,” Meghan said. “I love to play sports, and dancing is part of that.”
Favorites
SPORTS Soccer and swimming
TV SHOW “Sunny with a Chance”
INTERESTS Biking, tennis, and arts and crafts
When you ask Meghan Gibbons what she want to accomplish when it comes to competitive Irish Dancing, her answer is very simple and direct.
“I want to win a championship,” she said.
Meghan, 9, attended the North American Irish Dancing Championships over the Fourth of July weekend in Orlando, Fla., and finished in eighth place among 78 other dancers at her age and skill level. The event drew a total of 2,900 dancers from across the globe.
After taking 22nd place in 2009, Meghan said she was very happy with the results of her recent competition.
Meghan has been doing traditional Trinity Irish Dancing since she was about 5, said her mother, Maureen Gibbons.
“She really enjoys it, and as long as she does, we will continue to support her,” her mother said. “We do a lot of traveling for dance competitions and practices, but we do lots of carpooling with other parents, so it works out.”
Meghan qualified for the national championships after winning a silver medal in the regional competition last November, and her eighth place finish was a substantial improvement from the previous year.
In fact, she did so well this year, that she has already qualified for the nationals for next year, where Meghan said she hopes to keep improving.
“I just want to keep doing the best I can each time,” she said. “And I always want to win.”
One of her dance teachers at Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, Sheila Ryan, said Meghan has dancing in her blood.
“Meghan has showed potential since she first started dancing.” Ryan said. “She brings a very natural talent to the stage.”
Notable
Gibbons is a student of Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, which has locations in Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Western Springs and Chicago.
& quotable
“When I am preparing for a competition, I usually practice about three to four days a week, after I do my homework,” Meghan said. “Most practices are an hour or two each day.”
Goals and aspirations
“I will continue to do dance as long at is fun for me,” Meghan said. “I love to play sports, and dancing is part of that.”
Favorites
SPORTS Soccer and swimming
TV SHOW “Sunny with a Chance”
INTERESTS Biking, tennis, and arts and crafts
