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The April 9-16 event draws some 5,000 performers from Ireland
and overseas, including from both the Irish diaspora in places
like the United States and Australia as well as less likely
countries such as Russia and Japan.
Contestants range in age from eight to 30, according to the
organizers.
Excitement was palpable backstage on Tuesday as performers
warmed up for the championships' categories including the
traditional solo step dances, figure choreography team dancing,
dance drama that tells a story and ceili, a kind of Celtic
square dance.
For many of the young female dancers, the day began with a
45-minute long make-up session to ensure their colorful dresses,
curled wigs and rhinestone tiaras sat just right.
In the course of the week, some 25,000 spectators are expected
at the event, cheering on the competitors.
(Reporting by Clodagh Kilcoyne; Writing by Marine Hass; Editing
by Tom Heneghan)
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