If you’ve been a friend, supporter, or dancer in our school for a while, you’ll know that my vision for the Fitzgerald School of Irish Dance has always been about more than just competing and training. It’s about building community, fostering connection, creating friendships, growing confidence, and most importantly, having fun. The Multi-Cultural Showcase on November 2nd, hosted by the Hungarian American Athletic Club in New Brunswick, embodied all of these values.
When I first spoke with the wonderful organizers, I knew this was going to be an incredible event that I wanted us to be part of. And I’m so glad we were! Even those who didn’t perform but came out to support us had an absolutely amazing time.
The Fitzgerald School of Irish Dance teamed up with the Rutgers Irish Dance Club (shoutout to their amazing dancers!) to co-create a vibrant and joyful performance. Together, we not only performed but also taught the audience some Irish dance steps, shared plenty of laughs, and made new friendships. The beautifully organized event brought together diverse cultures for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and community connection.
A Spectacular Evening of Cultural Performances
While our performance and collaboration with Rutgers was such a highlight, I want to take a moment to celebrate all the incredible dance groups that performed and shared their cultures with us.
The evening began with a breathtaking performance by 40 Hungarian professional dancers, whose colorful costumes and rich folk traditions set the tone for the night. The venue was stunningly decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all attendees.
Following this grand opening, we enjoyed mesmerizing performances from Indian, Greek, and other cultural dance groups. Each performance was a celebration of heritage, tradition, and artistry. To all the dancers who participated: thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
Interactive and Engaging Moments
One of the most memorable parts of the evening was the interactive segment, where performers invited guests to learn steps from their cultural dances. Our Irish dancers led the audience in a simple Ceili dance, filling the room with laughter and joy as everyone gave it a try. This spirit of unity extended to the Greek and Indian dancers, who also shared their traditional moves. It was a beautiful moment of connection and appreciation for the diversity of dance.
A Celebration of Unity and Culture
The event wasn’t just about performances—it was a true celebration of cultures coming together. Guests enjoyed delicious Hungarian cuisine, including traditional pastries, accompanied by live Hungarian music throughout the evening. The food was so incredible that we all agreed: we can’t wait to attend future events by this fantastic organization.
The thoughtful planning by the Hungarian American Athletic Club ensured that everyone felt welcome and included. It was an evening filled with laughter, learning, and unity—a reminder of how the arts have the power to bring people together and transcend cultural boundaries.
Gratitude and Future Events
A heartfelt thank you to the Hungarian American Athletic Club for hosting such a spectacular event and to everyone who came out to support us. Please take a moment to follow the Rutgers Irish Dance Club on their social media—they are an incredibly talented group of dancers!
And make sure to check out the Hungarian American Athletic Club’s website and social media for updates on their future events. Trust me, you don’t want to miss them!
Interested in Joining Our Dance Community?
- Children’s Irish Dance Classes: Open to all ages—from toddlers to teens! We focus on perfecting dance skills while having fun, building friendships, and fostering a supportive community. Plus, there are many opportunities to perform and compete.
- Reel Robics for Adults: Want a fun way to stay fit, reduce stress, and connect with others? Our Reel Robics class is perfect for all fitness levels. No prior dance experience required—just bring your enthusiasm!
We look forward to welcoming new members. Sign up today and experience the joy of Irish dance!
Cathleen Dower, Founder of The Fitzgerald School of Irish Dance
The Fitzgerald School of Irish Dance
Promoting traditional Irish step dancing in Central New Jersey, we offer classes for both children and adults! Our goal is to help students build confidence, form lasting friendships, and improve endurance and flexibility, all while having fun performing and mastering the art of Irish dance. Join us to experience the joy of movement and the rich cultural heritage of Ireland!1
