Dancers Q&A

Meet & find out more about the

Corda Mor Dancers

What’s your favorite dance and why do you love it?

Slip Jig because of how elegant I feel when I dance it

Why is Irish Dancing at Corda Mor so important to you?

What drew me to Corda Mor was the equal excellence in dancing and in humility and kindness. I had followed Megan Stuart on Instagram for a while and could see first-hand the incredible dancing and placements she had achieved (she had just won her first All-Ireland title). Also, it was clear that she embodied genuine joy, community, and humility. Corda Mor encourages first and foremost a family of supportive, kind, truly great people.  That example is always modeled by both our teachers and dancers, whether that is cheering each other on while competing, a teacher giving encouragement side stage, or an older girl tying a cute little jigger’s shoe. Everything you go through, good and bad, you go through as a family. Being at Corda Mor is so important to me because I never feel alone even though I live states away!  

What is your favorite memory from your Irish Dance experience?

I have so many favorite memories from dance! At the Glasgow worlds in 2024, I had just my set left.  I had a tricky spin in the end of the dance and that made me even more nervous than usual, and I had worked really hard for this day, and this minute and a half. Once i got onstage and heard my music, the nerves went away and i felt like the little girl who had just learned her beginner reel and felt like she could fly across the stage. I ended up nailing my set and the feeling of holding my ending pose with a huge smile on my face was probably the best I’ve ever felt! I remember feeling so proud of myself and jumping excitedly side stage after i walked off. Hugging my mom and Fauna after was the best! Dancing doesn’t always go your way, but those moments when you feel so clearly the joy that made you fall in love with the sport make it all worth it. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be? 

My superpower would be ice powers because Sean always tells me to be Elsa and “let it go” while I dance so I move across the stage smoother!

What’s your name?

Aristea Zehnacker

How old were you when you started dancing?

I started dancing at 5 as a kindergarten after school program! I was quickly hooked after watching a performance with the sparkly dresses and fast feet.

What’s your name?

Liam Fuhr

How old were you when you started dancing?

I was in kindergarten when I started dancing, so around 5 years old.

What’s your favorite dance and why do you love it?

I would say the hornpipe because it is all about the rhythm and timing which I really enjoy.

Why is Irish Dancing at Corda Mor so important to you?

I think that dancing at Corda Mor is important to me because it offers a wonderful opportunity to learn how to Irish Dance, but it also is a great way to learn how to work with other people your age, make tons of friends, and have lots of fun!

What is your favorite memory from your Irish Dance experience?

My favorite memory from my Irish Dance experience so far is my first trip to worlds. This was an amazing experience because I got to see and experience some of the best dancing in the world. I also got to compete against other top level competitors, which was super fun and challenging.

If you had a superpower what would it be? 

I would probably choose invisibility.

What’s your name?

Frannie O’Brien

How old were you when you started dancing?

7

What’s your favorite dance and why do you love it?

Treble Jig, I love all the rhythm pieces that can be put into steps, and I really like the music we dance to!

Why is Irish Dancing at Corda Mor so important to you?

Corda Mor has given me such a great community of supporters that show their love no matter what. Through exciting and disappointing results, I know my best friends will always be there at my side. I also always feel like I can be myself at class, which is why I love coming to class!

What is your favorite memory from your Irish Dance experience?

Although not a specific memory, the St. Patrick’s day shows are always a highlight of my year! In 2024, I got a chance to preform in a dance I have looked up to for years, which was a great honor. Since becoming a driller (assistant teacher), I have also gotten the joy to watch all the kids I know have worked so hard in class preform for the first time! During St. Patrick’s day shows, I also get to know and help out some of the newer families! 

If you had a superpower what would it be? 

If I had a superpower, I would want to be able to communicate with animals! I have three cats and a dog, and I would want to be able to know what they’re really thinking. I love animals so much, so with this superpower I would also go to the zoo and talk to all the animals there!