With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to celebrate Irish culture—and what better way to do so than through the lively and rhythmic art of Irish dance? At Bethlehem Traditional Irish Dance, students are embracing the history, movement, and community of this rich tradition, all without the pressure of competition.

NewsChannel 13’s Tamara Starr visited the studio for this week’s Tamara Tries, where she spoke with founder Rose McAvoy, a lifelong dancer dedicated to keeping the tradition alive. McAvoy has created an environment where anyone can experience the joy of Irish dance, focusing on heritage and camaraderie rather than competitive rankings.

Irish dance dates back centuries and is more than just movement; it connects to the past and celebrates Irish heritage. To truly understand the art form, Starr took to the dance floor herself, guided by McAvoy and her students.

After a lesson filled with intricate footwork and energetic rhythms, Starr expressed her appreciation for the experience.

For those interested in learning more, check out Bethlehem Traditional Irish Dance’s website to register for classes in a competition-free environment.