AN Irish dancing school founded over 50 years is continuing to inspire young people from the USA to step out lightly.
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.
Golde is regarded by his peers as one of the most well-known and accomplished Irish dancers in America. He has trained hundreds of dancers and his school and its students have won many awards locally, regionally, nationally and globally. His dancers have competed throughout the world and performed for and appeared on many television shows and documentaries
Among his young protogés are Claire Casey (11) and June Bridges (12), cousins who have been dancing with the Golden school for the past six years. Their grandmother hails from Kiltmagh, Co Mayo and their grandfather is from Blacklion, Co. Cavan.
Speaking to the Irish Echo, Claire's proud mum, Kristi Casey said the impact of Donny on the Irish dancing scene in the U.S. has been mammoth.
"Donny is an iconic figure in Irish step dancing, widely recognised for merging traditional roots with innovative choreography," she explained.
"In 1970, he became the first American-born dancer to medal at the world championships,"
Beyond the studio, Golden has toured with legendary groups like The Chieftans and was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship in 1995 for his cultural contributions. His school, which celebrated 50 years of teaching in 2023, continues to operate in Brooklyn and Mineola, NY, emphasising the vital connection between dance and live music.
"Their grandmother is from Kiltmagh, Co Mayo and their grandfather is from Blacklion, Co. Cavan.
Added Kristi: "It's a pleasure to watch June and Claire keeping the Irish tradition alive. They have made many wonderful memories over the years and none of it would have been possible without the drive and commitment of Donny Golden."
