The Brightside: Westfall-Boyle Academy

SALISBURY, Md. – Some talented local dancers are getting ready to compete at Nationals in Washington D.C.

But they’re not just dancers – they’re Irish dancers.

“Most people don’t know what Irish dance is so they think it’s just like tap dancing but it’s very different.”

Most of these dancers have been performing since they could walk, like Caleigh, who’s only in second grade. Caleigh and Maeve are among the growing cohort of dancers at the Westfall-Boyle Academy that aren’t just working on their stops and points, they’re helping to share a unique culture with the community.

“It’s the only Irish dance studio here on the Eastern Shore. We’re just introducing kids to the Irish culture and parents and just people in the community.”

Shaun, the dance director at the academy, has been dancing his whole life. He immigrated here from Ireland, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from being a professional dancer.

“They work really hard, the kids here at the moment are in class probably for about 10 to 12 hours a week. It’s just been amazing to see these kids flourish.”

Anyone ages three to adult can participate for fun and participate in local events like the iconic St. Patty’s Day Parade. But the discipline, structure, and ability to dance in competitions is what makes the academy so distinct.

“It’s a lot more complicated than people actually think it is. You have to work on your carriage, your foot work your turn out, point work and all of that. The competitions and having fun with people and also winning stuff because that’s also fun.”

Although the academy is up and coming, the support from both the dancers and their families is shaping up to be a unique aspect on the Eastern Shore, with the goal of diversifying the community with some Irish culture.

“Just getting out there and trying to get new students into the class and just to continue the next generation of Irish dancing.”

You can find more information on the Westfall-Boyle Academy here.