From these early efforts, a whole generation of children and
teens learned about Irish dance and participated in competitions.
Eventually, in the mid-1990s, the Shovlins’ daughter Elizabeth
(Liz) Shovlin Grinko opened the Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance
in Dormont. Since then, the appeal of Irish dance has grown
substantially, and the academy — the only one of its kind in the South
Hills — draws students from all over.
“We always have several families with students coming here from
Mt. Lebanon,” Liz said. “And it’s been that way for years. Some
families stay with us the entire time their children are growing up;
others are just passing through.”
At present, four of the Shovlin children are instructors at the
school, including Sheila, Liz, Peter, Jr., and John. Though many people
associate Irish dance with girls, boys also participate. Perhaps the most
famous step dancer is Michael Flatley, who was the original
creator and choreographer of Riverdance. He later created
the Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger
shows which brought the art of Irish step dancing to the
forefront of dance in America. Like the Shovlins, he was
the child of Irish immigrant parents.
Step dancing is characterized by a fairly tight upper
body with rapid, fiery footwork and choreography that
sometimes includes exciting vertical jumps. Though there
are many people with Irish roots who participate, many of
the dancers have no Irish ancestry at all, but just enjoy the
energy and the choreography of it. Irish dance has enjoyed
global popularity in recent decades and has spread to the far corners of
the Earth, much like the Irish immigrants themselves.
The dancers usually wear dresses that are adorned with beautiful
intricate designs known as Celtic knotwork. The knotwork harkens
back to the ancient Celtic culture and was brought to worldwide
prominence through its use in the famous Book of Kells.
Though many of the costumes are elaborate, with a price tag to
match, it’s not necessary for beginning students to purchase expensive
costumes, or even to compete. Increasingly, Sheila says that many
students just want to dance for the enjoyment of it and aren’t as
interested in the competition aspect. Beginning students only need
comfortable clothing and some soft shoes for practice, such as ballet
slippers. If the time comes that students are interested in competing,
there are inexpensive costumes and also used costumes that can be
purchased.
For the students who do compete, they may travel to Ohio,
Chicago, New York or New Jersey for competitions. A few years ago,
a dance group from the Shovlin Academy performed in Boston at the
Worlds Dance Championships.
Clearly the Shovlin family believes in what they are doing through
the instruction of traditional Irish dance by their commitment to it for
so many years. Though many of their students may find other interests
to pursue, they usually come back.
“For me, it’s all about seeing young kids develop their confidence,”
says Sheila, “just to see them get up on stage and give it their best
shot…which is kind of what we all do every day, isn’t it?” ■
➤ To learn more about Shovlin Dance Academy, visit its website, or look for the dancers at the St. Bernard May Mart this spring.
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