Diddlyi Dancer Spotlight: Silpa S.
Name: Silpa S.
School/Dancing Organization: Haley School of Irish Dance
Dancing Level: Novice soon to be Prizewinner
Current Location: USA
How did you first become interested in Irish dancing?
I was actually taking piano lessons when I was younger about 8 or 9 and my piano teacher showed me the Riverdance Live in NY tape and I completely fell in loved with irish dance!
How long have you been dancing?
Well after I discovered irish dance from Riverdance I spent 2 or 3 years dancing around my living room watching Riverdance and Lord of the Dance trying to learn their steps. About 3 years later I discovered a dance school in my area and have been dancing ever since. I’ve been dancing for 5 years now but just started competing about 2 years ago.
Where did you learn your first steps?
I learned my first traditional irish dance steps when I started with my dance school.
How is Irish dancing viewed where you live? Was it difficult to find a dance school or dance group?
Irish dancing has really been beginning to gain popularity especially in The States and has a great many people who are into dancing. I was very lucky to find a dancing school in my area that isn’t very far away from my home.
Do your friends/family understand why you Irish Dance?
It’s actually really interesting because people are always really surprised to find out that I irish dance because I’m Indian. It’s a little different because I definitely draw a lot of stares when I go to a feis and people are always surprised when I start dancing. But people are always really sweet and supportive which is really nice.
I tend to be an intense perfectionist which causes me to set the bar really high so I’m usually quite stressed out about my dancing but my teacher and dance friends are always so encouraging and keep me calm so I don’t stress too much. I can’t thank them enough for their support because I find that aprt from my teacher and friends at dance, nobody else quite understands what an irish dancer goes through and how important it actually is to me.
Do you have any particular things you’ve achieved through dance you’d like to share with Diddlyi?
I’m particularly proud of how I have pushed myself as Irish dancer even though I started very late. I also had the privilege of going to the Oireachtas last year to compete in the traditional set competition and I placed!! I was really proud and happy because I was only an advanced beginner at the time! It was a great experience and I adored watching all the champion dancers.
What’s the most important thing you have learned from dancing? Or do you have anything you want to say to other dancers?
I learned about the power of patience and constantly pushing for something you want. Dancing isn’t all about the glamor and beautiful dresses but about the hard work and dedication that dancer put into their dances day in and day out!
What’s your favorite dance show and/or performer and why? Or is there any performer (even non dancing related) you admire?
Riverdance is the first Irish dance show I have ever known and my absolute favorite. I must say that I admire Jean Butler very much. Her grace and beautiful strength is on a level all its own. Non dance related, I really admire the athleticism and sportsmanship of the tennis players Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.
What’s the greatest thing about your dance school/dance group?
I just love the friends that I’ve made through dance. I know most dancers can relate to this fact. Just the good times and goofing around have made for such memorable times in class and at competitions.
Do you have any fun/interesting/unusual stories about something that happened to you while dancing?
Well not exactly when I was dancing but Riverdance was doing a little promotional mini-show with one or two dances a couple of years backs and my family and I went to watch it. And afterward I got to meet the two former leads of Riverdance, Michael Patrick Gallagher and Tarry Barry! It was a great moment. The funny thing is I can’t quite remember what it was really like meeting them cause I was in such wonder about actually see and talking to them. 
Can you give us a little background about you (non dancing related)?
Well I am going to be starting my 3rd year in university this coming fall. I am studying graphic design. Apart from dancing some of my other hobbies include computer graphics, drawing, films (especially Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings!), outdoor activities, pilates.
Is there anything else you’d like to say/highlight or anyone you would like to thank?
I also wanted to say that because I am studying graphic design I love creating things. So I actually started designing my own line of Irish dance apparel and accessories. You can visit my store here: http://www.cafepress.com/irishstep. I’m working on new designs everyday so keep your eyes peeled for new pieces in the store as well.
In One Word
[This is where we ask the spotlighted person to describe themselves and dance in one word.]
Silpa: Determined
Best thing about ID: Fast feet!
Worst thing about ID: Bitter competitors
Strangest thing about ID: Fake tan
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♣ Related Links
Silpa’s Irish Dance Store
Diddlyi Dancer Spotlight: Jade Marrey
All Diddlyi Spotlights
Diddlyi Blog
*Images courtesy of Silpa.
**If you are interested in participating in a Diddlyi Dancer Spotlight or Member Spotlight, please send a message to Rebecca.
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