Two talented starlets from the iconic Donny Golden Irish Dance School performed at the recent New York Police Department commemorative event to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Cousins Claire Casey (11) and June Bridges (12) have been dancing with the Donny Golden School of Irish Dancing for the past six years and literally jumped at the chance to play their small part in what was a poignant gathering.
The event, hosted by the NYPD Emerald Society, was a particularly special moment for Claire whose grandfather, William J. Casey, an NYPD veteran and Co. Limerick native, passed away in July.
Speaking to the Irish Echo, Claire's mom Kristi Casey said that the event on September 11 would live in the girls’ memories forever.
"The fact Claire got the opportunity to dance at the NYPD 9/11 25th anniversary concert in Madison Square Gardens was a huge honor,” she said.
"I told her that her granda would have been very proud of her and was looking down on her during her performance. He always beamed with pride watching her dance. I am so proud of them both.”
Kristi said the dancing duo have continued to perform to acclaim at major events.
"They also danced at Citi Field in New York as part of an Irish night for the New York Mets,” she said.
“And now they are preparing to dance during Thanksgiving weekend at the Oireachtas in Philadelphia."
The Donny Golden School of Irish Dancing was born in 1972 when the eponymous owner started teaching at the age of just 19.
His school grew as Donny’s strong traditional style and innovative choreography drew admiring parents and willing students. The Donny Golden School is now one of the premier Irish dancing schools in the world.
For more on Donny Golden School of Irish Dancing, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/donny.g.dance/
