62 Shawn Silver Irish Dancing / Violet Moore School of Irish Dance / The Nelson Doyle Irish Dancers
The Shawn Silver Irish Dancing and the Violet Moore School Irish Dancing schools have been selected as the schools to represent Irish Dancing in Canada on The Ireland Canada Monument
Shawn Silver Irish Dancing Biography
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Shawn Silver
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IDance.ca
- Shawn Silver is a native Newfoundlander who comes from a strong traditional dance background, following in his father’s & grandfather’s footsteps. Shawn is a professional traditional dancer, performer and choreographer in St. John’s, Newfoundland and artistic director of iDance, Shawn Silver School of traditional dancing.
- IDance is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and strengthening the traditional form of Idance in Canada and around the world. The company provides opportunities to young people and emerging artists to become part of the exciting international world of dance, music, and culture through teaching, competition and performance. As a touring artist promoting NL culture, Shawn has worked with the cast of the famed Riverdance Troupe, Lord of the Dance, Magic of the Dance and was featured dancer and production coordinator for The Magic of Ireland Canadian Tour. He is also producer, choreographer and principal dancer with Newfoundland’s, Talamh An Éisc – The Land of the Fish a show highlighting Irish, Newfoundland, Portuguese, European and world cultures. In fall 2010 Talamh An Éisc was the featured act at PEI’s Confederation Center for the Arts production, A Christmas Blaze. In April/May 2011 Shawn will represent Canada at The Australian Celtic Festival in New South Wales.
- Other notable career highlights include choreography and performance for Cape Breton Gaelic recording artist Mary Jane Lamond’s award winning Canadian hit The Stepping Song (Suas É) and video (1998); feature performance and interview for The Stowaway, a 1999 History Channel documentary exploring his family’s Portuguese & Irish heritage and immigration to Newfoundland; Featured performer on Canada AM, City TV’s Breakfast Television (2001-02-03); Featured performers at The 2002 Juno Awards, honoring the best in Canadian Music; Choreographer and production coordinator for Bloomsday Cabaret, an Irish Newfoundland film about James Joyce and music (2004); Featured dancers for Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) Janeway Telethon (2003, 2004, 2005); Choreographer for critically acclaimed Newfoundland Labrador Touring Opera Ann & Seamus (2006); Choreographer for CBC’s television comedy Rabbit Town (2005); Featured performer with principals from Riverdance, Lord of The Dance, and Magic of the Dance in NL and Ireland (2002-2007); and opening artist for the 2007 Canadian International Salmon Festival. Shawn is also current Prince Edward Island Step dancing Champion (2007-2010).
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elcome to iDance, your online resource for Irish dancing classes and related information in Newfoundland and Labrador. We invite you to share in the Celtic heritage that continues to contribute so much to our province. iDance is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premiere dance centre dedicated exclusively to Irish dancing. 
ur goal is to promote, preserve and strengthen the traditional form of Irish dance in Newfoundland & Labrador. In addition to offering recreational dance instruction for all ages, we strive to support professional Irish dancing in our province by introducing young people to the exciting international world of Irish dance competition, performance and teaching.- e offer beginners, intermediate and advanced Irish dance classes for both children and adults. For more information and to register, click here.
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Boston College Center For Irish Studies – Joseph Nugent
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet you on your visit to Boston College last week.The concept of a Celtic roots cultural festival that we discussed is a very exciting one, and it’s clear that you bring to it the enthusiasm and determination it will require.In my Irish Studies capacity, having responsibility for Irish language training at BC, I am particularly enthused by a project that aims to bring together the various strands of Celtic culture on the lines that we in the Irish Studies program have, with some success, done here. I am particularly excited that your plans contain a significant academic component: it is the integration of dance, music, the visual arts, and literature that makes our program so successful.
Now is an opportune time to pursue these goals. The increasing move towards understanding the Atlantic as an interactive space of exchange rather than a space of cultural separation has produced a willingness on the part of Irish historiography and literary studies to escape from the narrow inward-looking paradigms of the past and embrace a more outward-looking co-operative mode of cultural investigation. Newfoundland Labrador scholarship is particularly well placed, one would imagine, to contribute to this advance.
Susan Sullivan MHA Member House of Assembly
“I am very happy to lend my support to the hard work and vision of idance as they work toward the development of an Irish Cultural Centre of Excellence for our province.I am very impressed with iDance’s objective of promoting this region as the “Celtic Corridor” of trade, culture and business through its various international partnerships, in particular with the ICCNE (Irish Cultural Centre of New England) and the Boston Irish Tourism Association.
I predict a unique, creative and successful partnership that will culminate in spectacular cultural events both for residents of our province and for tourists alike.
I am confident that the talents and meticulous dedication …will produce a centre of excellence for our province from which we all will benefit. It is my pleasure to offer my support to this project.”
Upcoming Events
An Irish Gala to Recognize Dr. Ronan O’Shea’s Outstanding Committment
Please join the discovery Health Care foundation in Clarenville NL Saturday March 12th 2011 as the communtiy comes together to recognize the outstanding committment of Dr. Ronan O’Shea in the medical Commmunity. Saturday March 12th at St. Jude’s Hotel. An evening of fine dining, fabulous entertainment with Kevin Collins, local band Slainte and Shawn Silver Irish Dancers. Call 709 466 5231. Tickets are $150.00More info:Email paulapye@gmail.com | Poster | Register |
Australian Celtic Festival Featuring Cape Byron Irish Dancers Doug MacFarland & Shawn Silver
The Australian Celtic Festival is held in Glen Innes “Celtic Country” on the first weekend in May annually. Representing Canada, Shawn Silver will join Karen Armstrong, Karen Simpson Clark and Cape Byron Irish Dancers along with Champion Highland Dancer Dougie MacFarland among other special guests for what is billed as the country’s most exciting Celtic Festival. The Finale will be truly excitng. Douglas McFarland of “Down Under the Kilt” and Shawn Silver will perform “duelling dancers”. It’s Scottish versus Irsh. Come along and be thoroughly entertained by these exciting, energetic & accomplished dancers.More info:Australian Celtic Festival |
Celtic Roots Summer Irish Dance Culture & Music Program for all ages
Join Shawn Silver & special guests this summer for an Irish cultural program like no other. Programs run from June 28 to July 8. All ages, beginner to advanced levels. Celtic Roots is Atlantic Canada’s only centre dedicated exclusisvely to teaching Irish Language, Dance, Music (Accordian, Banjo, Bodhran, Fiddle, Mandolin) and Music Technology for budding music engineers and producers. Contact us for more information. Register NOW.More info:Email shawn@idance.ca |Celtic Roots 2010 | Poster | Register |
The Advertisers Editor Dave Newell on Shawn Silver’s Irish Dancing In Central NL.
It turns out Socccer Players could learn a thing or two from Irish Dancers..these (Shawn Silver Irish Dancers) were not step dancers, not like uncle Johnny at the cabin..These dancers are true athletes..soccer players should have worked as hard..there is no question what they do is a sport. Just ask Silver himself. READ FULL STORYMore info:The Advertiser |
The Advertiser’s Jennifer Pelley on Shawn Silver opening Central NL’s first Irish Dance School
IRISH DANCERS TAKE REGION BY STORM “…Shawn Silver’s energy & enthusiasm for Irish Dance are almost tangible..Over the past six months, Irish dancing has taken off and is now solidifying itself under the direction of master trainer Shawn Silver….” Full story by Jennifer Pelley, The AdvertiserMore info:The Advertiser Irish Dance School Takes Root | Poster | Register |
Shawn Silver’s On A Mission
‘Shawn, you are truly an Ambassador for Culture in this province….We are proud of all your successes and initiatives. If there were another 100 just like you, it would make all our jobs that much easier.’Honourable Danny Williams
Premier Newfoundland LabradorMore info:Boston Irish Tourism | Poster |
Irish Cultural Centre of Newfoundland Labrador Susan Sullivan House of Assembly NL
“I am very happy to lend my support to the hard work and vision of idance as they work
toward the development of an Irish Cultural Centre of Excellence for our province..I am very impressed with iDance’s objective of promoting this region as the “Celtic
Corridor” of trade, culture and business through its various international partnerships, in
particular with the ICCNE (Irish Cultural Centre of New England) and the Boston Irish
Tourism Association..I predict a unique, creative and successful partnership that will
culminate in spectacular cultural events both for residents of our province and for tourists alike.
I am confident that the talents and meticulous dedication of (iDance) will produce a centre of excellence for our province from which we all will
benefit. It is my pleasure to offer my support to this project.”Susan Sullivan, MHA Grand Falls-Windsor – Buchans
Location: Talamh an Eisc Newfoundland Labrador
More info:
Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency ACOA
The cultural industries are critical to Newfoundland and Labrador’s strength both socially, and economically, The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency recognizes the significant, long-term contributions individuals like Shawn Silver are making to the growth of our economy, and we’re very pleased to be able to assist his professional development as an artist, and as an entrepreneur.”More info:
Centre of (Irish Cultural) Excellence Could Yield Positve Results
Shawn Silver, who runs iDance is gung-ho to turn the (the region) into a centre of Irish and Celtic excellence so people from all over the world can travel here to learn traditional forms of dance, art, music and language, among other things, the town should embrace the opportunities that can be realized from this sort of venture…the cultural, tourism, recreational and economic possibilities that can exist if the cards are played right by all stakeholders are endless.
Jennifer Pelley, Former Editor, AdvertiserMore info:The Advertiser | Register |
Irish Cultural Centre of New England to establish Celtic Corridor with Newfoundland Labrador
Shawn Silver was in Boston November with Team Canada to do what he does best, foster trade relations and build partnerships with the international Celtic communitiy AND dance! Partnered with Meghan Allen TCRG from world renowned Boston College Centre of Irish studies dance program, they were asked to perform a tribute to Red Sox pitcher Jon Papelbon who just won the world series beating Colorado Rockies 4-3 and Silver couldn’t be happier.More info:Boston Herald January 08 | Poster |
Hornpipe Magazine Sharing Irish Dance, Music and Culture with the WORLD. Suscribe NOW
You want to know what’s what in the world of Irish dancing, ,music and culture? HORNPIPE editor Thomas Miner and friends will keep you up to date. This is the must read magazine for Irish cultural enthusiasts around the world. Thanks to Shawn Silver’s dedication Newfoundland Labrador has become a hot bed of Irish dance, culture and music …READ MOREMore info:Hornpipe Magazine | Poster |
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Media: “Whirling Dirvish: Local Irish Dancer High Kicks Provinces Celtic Profile”
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An amazing artist that focuses on the musical requirements for the Irish Dancer and Teacher
Named Irish Dancing Magazine’s Website of the Month!
Hornpipe Magazine Newfoundland: Hotbed of Irish Music 
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Irish dancing star, and principal dancer of Riverdance. Learn More About Breandán de Gallaí!
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- The Violet Moore School of Irish Dance.
- http://violetmooreschool.homestead.com/
- Violet Moore began teaching Irish Dancing in Vancouver in 1963 in the basement of St Patrick’s Catholic Church which at the time was located on the corner of 12th Avenue and Main Street in Vancouver.
- A few years into this new challenge, a pupil of Violet’s informed her of a Championship competition being prepared in the San Francisco area.
- The intention of this competition was to find a dancer who would qualify to become the first entrant into the first ever, All-World Irish Dance Championship to be held in Dublin at Grafton Street in the early 1970′s.
- At the time, Violet recognized she had one outstanding dancer in her class and after receiving permission from the girl’s parents that the dancer be allowed to enter the competition, the San Francisco organizing committee was contacted and the entry from the Violet Moore School of Irish Dance was approved.
- The Dancer, Iris Peake performed at the competition and won first place. In addition to receiving her silver trophy, Iris was presented with an Airline ticket to the Dublin Irish Dancing Championships. While in Dublin, Iris and her mother stayed in Violet’s family home.
- This momentous event meant that Iris Peake became the first western Canadian and possibly the first eastern Canadian to represent Canada’s Irish dance community.
- Since the early seventies, the Violet Moore School of Irish Dance has gained much acclaim in Irish Dancing as more pupils of the school have continued to succeed at Championship competitions throughout North America and Ireland.
- In fact, many of the dancers have performed and succeeded with top-end results at the All Ireland’s Irish Dancing championships in Kilarney, County Kerry.
- The All Ireland World Championships were also held in different locations in both Ulster and Munster.
- When the United States of America Irish Dancing Associations ran their championships and invited the world to participate – Violet’s Dancers were there front and centre and continue to compete today throughout both Canada and America.
- The Moore school is renown throughout the land and has acquired a high degree of respect.
- Today, many of Violet’s former pupils have schools of their own and are now teaching their own successful classes in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver.
- Similar to their teacher, each of the ex-dancers of Violet’s School qualified under an extremely demanding, two day “An Coimisún exams”.
- Violet has long since acquired her adjudication qualifications and now judges championship competitions throughout North America and Ireland.
The Violet Moore Dancers at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Vancouver.
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- The Nelson Doyle Irish Dancers. Miramichi New Brunswick
- www.nelsondoyleirishdancers@blogspot.com
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The Nelson Doyle Dancers is a volunteer organization in its 19th year, instructed by Ellen Doyle and consisting of boys and girls age 5 to adult instructed in traditional Irish dance, language and history.
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The Nelson Doyle Dancers are well known on both the local and international stage, having performed in Ireland and throughout Canada. Television appearances include children’s program Master Control (CBC), Breakfast Televison (ASN) and documentaries featuring Irish immigration to New Brunswick (CTV and BBC).
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Ellen Doyle has been the volunteer instructor since the troupe’s founding. Students pay no fee for their lessons and advance by merit within the group.
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Ellen has over 30 years dance training and experience, having trained under Maureen Haley and Michael Smith. Her vision is that all children have the opportunity to dance, no matter their economic situation. Regular fundraisers help cover expenses.
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The Nelson Doyle Dancers have performed in Ireland and are featured annully at Canada’s Irish Festival on the Miramichi. As well, they have performed at Celtic Colours International Festival, Souffle d’Irlande Festival in Gaspé, Quebec and at the RBC Multicultural Festival in Halifax.
- They regularly perform for Seniors and Children’s charities at home, including the Senior’s Multicultural Day, Santa’s Helpers, and countless benefit concerts.