Irish dancer Erin Mayo places top 10 in Ireland
A local fifth-grader has taken some home jewelry from her most recent visit to the Emerald Isle.
International dancing sensation Erin Mayo placed ninth at the All-Ireland Irish Dancing Championships in Killarney the weekend of Feb. 18-19. Her placement in the top 10 qualifies her for the World Irish Dancing Championships in Montreal, Canada. Erin’s success is no fluke.
The Lewes Elementary student began Irish dancing when she was 3 ½ years old and immediately took to the sport.
“It makes me feel so happy when I dance because it also makes other people happy,” Erin said. “I love dancing.”
Her affinity for the dancing style has taken her across the country and more recently the world. Currently a student of McGough Academy, Erin travels to West Chester, Pa., four to five times a week to attend advanced classes at the school. Recently, her mom Lindsey Mayo helped to implement a beginner’s program at Midway Motion and Fitness in Rehoboth Beach. Erin also dedicates her time to helping with the classes.
“I really like helping them out because it’s really fun to help other people on their journey because one day they’re going to be champions and really good,” Erin said.
Erin said she is supported by her whole dance team: family, friends and instructors. She said she has made friends from all over the world, including her best friend, who is from West Chester. With frequent trips to West Chester and her school obligations, time management is an important skill Erin has adopted, saying she does homework on the ride up and rests when traveling back home. Dancing has taught her other life skills.
“Dancing teaches me so much stuff, like when you work hard, you get a result from it and having a work ethic,” Erin said.
In September, Erin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. While she was being observed at the hospital, Lindsey said Erin was asking if there was any possible way she could squeeze in a dance lesson. The condition is manageable, but physical activity can exacerbate things, and Lindsey said events like the one in Ireland have five competitions Erin has to compete in. Fortunately, Erin persevered during the championships to finish in the top 10 and qualify for worlds, something only 5% of dancers accomplish. Erin did it three times this year.
One of the biggest inspirations for Erin is the 2011 dancing documentary “Jig.” The film tells the story of the 40th World Irish Dancing Championships held in 2010.
“The World Championships, that’s what the movie ‘Jig’ was about, and it's been my dream to go to worlds and go to Ireland since I was 3,” Erin said.
The fifth-grader said the way people receive Irish dancing in Ireland is a little bit different than here. Erin said she really enjoys St. Patrick’s Day in the United States because she gets to dance in front of a crowd participating along with her, but in Ireland it’s like that everyday. She also noted they use live music in Ireland compared to digital recordings and songs here.
“It’s really fun and they all clap and cheer over there,” Erin said.
For anyone curious about Irish dancing, the world-class dancer encourages them to get involved, and when they do, to not give up.
“It makes me so happy no matter what happens. No matter if you’re just dancing for fun or if you’re dancing to compete, there’s always a reason why you’re dancing,” Erin said. “All Irish dancers dance to make other people happy and make themselves happy.”
Erin will join about 6,000 participants in Montreal for the World Irish Dancing Championships April 2-9. Anyone interested in learning about or participating in Irish dance can go to mcgoughacademy.com.
“Find something that you love, and just do it because it makes you happy,” Erin said.
