Irish dancing teacher Veronica McAleer honored for excellence
Irish Dancing Magazine, a global print publication covering the world of Irish dancing, recently announced a Lewes instructor is among the recipients of the 2022 Irish Dancing Teacher Awards. The international award recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring extraordinary dance teachers.
“We are thrilled that your local Delaware dance teacher, Veronica McAleer, of the McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance, is one of 21 teachers in the world receiving the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award. Veronica is known to be an engaging, caring and inspirational dance teacher,” said Denise Keane, Irish Dancing Magazine publisher.
After an extensive review of hundreds of nominations, Irish Dancing Magazine narrowed the field to an impressive list which includes 21. The award-winning teachers are from Ireland, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Australia.
Originally founded in Belfast, Ireland, by Veronica’s aunt, Alice McAleer, the McAleer School started classes in the United States during the 1960s in Wilmington, with Veronica at the helm.
The McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance currently teaches classes at Right Balance Pilates in Lewes, Claymont Community Center in Claymont and Delaware Dance Company in Newark. The school accepts new dancers year-round. The Lewes location started in 2014, when local pediatrician and former McAleer dancer Dr. Erin Raughley Fletcher, along with Veronica, brought together a few interested kids. It is now a booming hub of dancers ranging from beginners all the way up to those who have competed at the local, national and world championship levels.
The troupe will be performing up and down the state of Delaware during the St. Patrick’s Day season. To check their schedule, go to mcaleeririshdance.weebly.com, Facebook or Instagram.
“There are noticeable benefits of dance, which is a fun source of exercise, but beyond that we have seen many involved in Irish dancing grow to be confident, smart young adults who carry the lessons learned and friendships made through dancing with them throughout their lives,” said Keane. According to the nonprofit organization Advancing Dance Education in the Arts, dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.
