Jive, quickstep or waltz - if you like music you can learn how to dance

Eveybody with any kind of an ear for music can dance, it might just take a little practice – that’s the firm belief of Niall Doorhy, who is offering social dance classes around County Galway.

A native of Loughrea but now living in Tuam, Niall was born into a family that had music running through their veins. Niall’s grandfather Paddy Doorhy was an accomplished fiddle player and played with the first Ballinakill Ceili Band.

Niall’s Dad, also Paddy Doorhy, played drums and toured extensively with many bands and noted musicians. Niall’s sister is singer/songwriter Linda Welby who stormed the Irish country music charts in 2009 with her debut album A Story To Tell.

Niall gets his dancing inspiration from falling in love with the music and heritage that has been part of his life as far back as he can remember.

“I am lucky to be born into a very musical family. There was always music in my home. Local musicians would gather at our house and music would be played till daylight. I would waltz in the smallest of spaces with my sisters or my mother.”

Niall has been dancing for many years and because of his patient manner and ability to make dancing look easy he has adapted a way that brings unconfident people to dance for the first time in their lives. “I teach Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and various other social dances that you will see at weddings and other events all around the country. I also teach couples who may be getting married and are daunted by the prospect of taking to the floor at their weddings. I teach for two hours a night. It’s great fun and a great way to exercise and stay fit.

“My method is very simple; this is not a course, these are weekly training classes. The more you come the better you get. You do not need to book and you don’t need a partner. You also pay as you go. I teach both men and women in all the dance styles.

“It is my belief that everyone can dance. If you like music then you will learn to dance. The basics are very simple to learn, after that it’s up to you how much you want to practice. The only difference between a good dancer and someone who can’t dance is practice.”

Niall began his teaching career last year in The Well, Moate, Co Westmeath one evening a week and after only a month of classes the attendances got so large he was forced to open a second evening of dance classes in the same venue.

People were just flocking through the doors, it was very nervy at first but then I made the decision to extend the classes to a second night and thankfully it worked. I ran dance classes there all year”. The 36 year old, who now has over 4,100 friends on his Facebook page, thinks that Ireland is a changing country with people looking for new ways of enjoyment and socialising.

“Alcohol, Gyms and clubbing are all expensive ways of enjoyment. Dancing is for free and it’s a natural icebreaker. You can hop on a floor in any venue and people will see that you are enjoying yourself. Ireland has suffered recessions in the past in those times people took to the dance floors as a means for socialising and enjoyment. When we had no money we had music and dance. At that time a lot of children would have learned to dance through their parents but sadly in the latter years this almost died out and today most people now rely on dance teachers to help them take to the floor.”

He stresses that dancing is a great opportunity for people to meet and to make friends and try something different. It can open up new doors for people socially.

Venues at which Niall will hold classes include; The Ard Ri House Hotel, Tuam, starting Wednesday, September 15; Fallon’s Bar, Ballygar, starting Friday, September 17; McCarthy's Bar and Lounge, Kilbeacanty, Gort starting Sunday, September 19, 7:30pm – 9:30pm. All week night classes are from 8pm – 10pm and the cost of class is €10 per night.

For more information call Niall on 0879181863 or on facebook: Niall Doorhy Dancer.