It’s the traditional St. Patrick’s Day season in Buffalo and the events have already begun.
Yesterday, the Buffalo Irish Center hosted the annual St. Patrick’s Civic Luncheon. The luncheon is populated by every politician and political hopeful in Western New York (and beyond). This year, amidst the corned beef and cabbage was Mayor Brown, Congressman Higgins, former Congressman Jack Quinn, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Bishop Kmiec, Judge Nowak, Len Lenihan and others.
In less than an hour, the 16th Annual ‘Old Neighborhood’ St. Patrick’s Parade will begin. The parade winds through Buffalo’s old First Ward. And tomorrow, the larger, more well-known St. Patrick’s Day Parade will dance up Delaware Avenue starting at 2pm.
As you skip from event to event this weekend, you’re bound to see Buffalo’s leading Irish dancing school – Rince Na Tiarna (RNT). For
nearly a quarter century, Rince Na Tiarna’s achievements and
influence have echoed far beyond
Irish Heritage District and the numerous schools that have followed. A leader among Irish dance schools nationwide, Rince Na
Tiarna breaks new ground and collects more accolades. Indeed, Buffalo’s own RNT finished 6th in the World Chamionships in 1999 and were the first North American team to finish in the top 3 at the All Ireland Chamionships. Oh, and one of their dancers, Kevinah Dargan won the Solo World Championship for her age group.
The family oriented school teaches students from five to young adult, while
nurturing pride in Gaelic culture. Students are encouraged to pursue
performance, traditional and competitive dancing at “their own pace.”
From beginner to champion, hard work, creativity and fun generate a certain
spirit and style that is unique to Rince Na Tiarna.
RNT’s founder, Mary Kay Heneghan, has expanded the school’s range and
repertoire in a host of imaginative new directions. Her innovative choreography
has been performed on “The Today Show,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,”
in collaboration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, for a New York Knicks
halftime show and in front of such dignitaries as Governor Casey of
Peace Prize winner Mairead Corrigan.
As a choreographer, she has worked with
a variety of artists such as
Ensemble Theater, Bill Paxton, Julianna Margulies, Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer
Aniston, Gabriel Byrne, and Madeline Stowe.
To check out RNT in-person, here’s a list of upcoming appearances:
Sat. March 14th Irish Center 9pm
Sun. March 15th Darcy McGee’s 1pm
Sun. March 15th Irish Center 6:45pm
Sun. March 15th The Irishman Pub Main St. , Williamsville 6pm
Mon. March 16th Malone’s 3020 Delaware 7:30pm
Tues. March
17th Larkin Bldg 726 Exchange ST noon
Tues. March 17th Veterans Hospital
1pm
Tues. march 17th Bank of America 475
Crosspointe Pkwy 3:30
Tues. march 17th Irishman Main St 6pm
Tues. March 17th Darcy McGee’s 8pm
Tues. March 17th Eddie Ryan’s 50 Central Ave Lancaster 7:45pm
Thurs. March
19th Dudley Library 2010 South Park
6pm
With classes in South Buffalo, Williamsville, Kenmore, East Aurora and Erie, PA, get connected: 716.675.8785.