BIOGRAPHY

Rebecca McGowan is a dancer and teacher in Boston, MA, where she began step dancing as a child with Clare Sullivan. As an adult she developed a love of the musicality of older style steps and sean-nós dance while studying with Kieran Jordan. Her dancing is also informed by the joyful traditions of American, Irish, and English social dance. Rebecca currently performs as part of Kieran Jordan Dance and in collaboration with musicians and dancers including Jackie O’Riley. While in Washington, DC for several years, she danced in the New Century American Irish-Arts Company and performed with and taught sean-nós dance for Shannon Dunne Dance. Rebecca has performed at the Kennedy Center, in WGBH’s “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn,” in “Celebrate!” at the JFK Library and Museum, and at numerous festivals in the Boston and Washington areas. She teaches sean-nós and step dancing classes children and for adults.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Sean-nós dance is improvised, rhythmic, and expressive step dancing, closely tied to traditional music. This class teaches basic steps in a fun, musical setting. We will improvise and create – the focus is on making great rhythm. In the Tír na nÓg class (ages 5-8), we’ll play lots of dance games to develop musicality and steps. In the Stepping Stone class (ages 9+), we’ll explore movement and improvisation to get everyone dancing in their own style. Wear smooth, hard-soled shoes. If you like making rhythm with your feet, come and dance!