The American Company of Irish Dance Makes its Debut at Alverno College This Weekend

Regular 4 p.m. news viewers might recall that several months ago two veterans from the show "Riverdance"  were on the hunt for Irish dancers for their new dance company.

On Wednesday, during a special live version of "Our Stories with Michele"  dancers and choreographers Shane McAvinchey and Paula Goulding were in studio to talk about the dynamic company that will make its debut this weekend.

The American Company of Irish Dance has been rehearsing at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center for more than a week and will perform at Alverno College.

The company's first show is this Friday January 22 at 7 pm.

There are two performances on Saturday, January 23,  at 2:00 pm and 7 pm.

The American Company of Irish Dance is a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion and development of Irish dance performance.

McAvinchey and Goulding  are bringing a new take on the method of mentorship to the dancers that they train.

While the curly wigs and splashy costumes are for competition, this company is about performance and giving experienced and accomplished dancers trained in Irish dancing a new and engaging way to share their craft.

Both say they were taken with the depth of Irish culture in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Of note is that it is the region's only independent nonprofit Irish dance company. 

Although a few other nonprofit Irish dance companies exist, most performance dance companies for profit corporations like Riverdance. 

All dancers, regardless of where they were trained or by whom, are welcomed and accepted.

For more information call (414) 216-3397 or click here

Please note that at the time of the interview the Saturday show time was presented as being 2:30 p.m. The actual start of the show is at 2 p.m.