45th anniversary dinner/dance
of the Murphy Irish Arts Center Irish American Club East Side June 17, 2023
The 45th anniversary dinner/dance of the Murphy Irish Arts Center was held at the Irish American Club East Side in Euclid, Ohio on Saturday June 17, 2023. The Murphy Irish Arts Center is dedicated to preserving Irish culture and the art of Irish Dance and to sharing their heritage with audiences everywhere.
It was founded in 1978 by Sheila Murphy Crawford. Sheila is a Certified Irish Dance Instructor and Adjudicator of An Commissum, the world governing organization of Irish Dance. Besides her commitments to Murphy Irish Arts Center, Sheila is very active in the Cleveland Irish Community, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Irish Cultural Gardens.
Bob and Sheila Murphy Crawford
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After dinner, Sheila Murphy Crawford, backed by the band Immigrant Wake, taught the crowd an Irish dance for couples.
Next, Sheila spoke about some of the early costumes starting in 1978 and dancers performed in them.
Sheila then spoke about how Irish dance has changed over the years since they started in 1978. The different costumes and shoes. How it is both a sport and an art and so on. She then told the story of her mother and family and how the Murphy Irish Arts Center began and grew.
Then some of the Murphy Irish Arts dancers performed in very colorful costumes from over the 45 years.
Next was a slip-jig dance which Sheila explained was very unique.
Next 4 more mature students from the Murphy Irish Arts adult dance group performed this 4 handed reel.
Sheila and some helpers showed some of her first dresses including a wool dress and hand-embroidered dresses.
Sheila said that this is a favorite dance - the Rocky Road to Dublin.
Next, Sheila introduced some of the past-presidents and teachers of the 501c3 organization.
Next were two traditional dances in hard shoes. Sheila said that these dances are done exactly the same everywhere in the world - you are not allowed to change them.
Then, Sheila called up those in attendance who danced in the 1970's and 1980's. This was followed by the dancers from the 1990's and then the 2000's and on. They posed for group photos.
Sheila said that they would be performing this next dance, Cry of the Celts, at Severance Hall.
The grand finale was when all the alumni in attendance performed their popular The Entrance Dance - including Sheila Murphy and Bob Crawford.
The Entrance
The evening continued with music and dancing. By special request of 2023 St. Patrick's Day Grand Marshal Mickey Coyne, Katie Cooper joined the band Immigrant Wake for the song Home to Mayo.
Congratulations to Sheila and Bob and all the Murphy Irish Arts family.
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