WEST COUNTY : Hundreds Compete in Irish Dancing

Swinging kilts or curls, lads and lasses tried to outdance each other Saturday in the middle of a three-day Irish dance competition in Ventura.

Several hundred dancers--from toddlers to senior citizens--performed reels, jigs and traditional step dances at the second annual fesh (Gaelic for competition), sponsored by Ventura’s Claddagh School of Irish Dancing. The competition is being held at the Casa Sirena Marina Resort, Channel Islands Harbor.

Maire O’Connell, the competition’s host who learned to dance in Gallway, Ireland, was on hand to judge her students’ posture and skill. A good dancer, she says, is one who keeps hands down to the sides and the upper body motionless.

“The parents love the discipline of Irish dancing,� O’Connell said. “The kids like it because they compete, win prizes and travel a lot. They learn how to win and lose very young.�

Eight-year-old Katie O’Brien says she puts in 10 hours a week in Irish dance classes and practice. It’s worth it, she says.

“You get a lot of trophies and medals and you get to travel,� Katie said.

Jarrod McEnroe, 10, and his twin brother, Trevor, said their mother talked them into Irish dancing a couple of years ago. Their only reservation was wearing a kilt.

“Other boys don’t like the kilt idea,� Jarrod said. “They call it a dress.�

The competition continues today at the harbor with advanced dancers and the championship for dancers under 10. An entrance fee is $3.