Diddlyi Spotlight: Olivia Kulcsar
Name: Olivia Kulcsar
Dancing Organization: An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha
Dancing Level: Open
Location: Paris, France
How did you first become interested in Irish dancing?
When I was 10 years old, my family moved to London. Unpacking everything once arrived was very boring for a 10 years old girl like me, so my parents put a DVD on : it was Feet of Flames. I really enjoyed it and wanted to do it ! I remember me watching the show EVERY SINGLE DAY. That’s how I got interested in irish dancing.
How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been dancing for three years now.
Where did you learn your first steps?
I learnt my first steps at our old dance studio with my current school, the Sarah Clark Academy !
How is Irish dancing viewed where you live? Was it difficult to find a dance school or dance group?
Not so many people know about irish dance here in France (at least around Paris). They keep on asking “how is it?” and keep on comparing to country dancing, which drives me crazy ! Haha.
Fortunately, I live in Paris, where the only registered irish dance school is located ! From what I remember, I found it quite easily, browsing on the internet.
Do your friends/family understand your interest in Irish Dance?
My family supports me and understand me. They sometimes think I should take it easier. I have classes sometimes really really late in the night (up to 00:00!) so my mum keeps on telling me I should sleep more. She cares a lot about me. I think it is cute.
My friends do understand as well, I am very lucky ! They are always asking me how was the feis, how did I do, etc.
Do you have any particular things you’ve achieved through dance you’d like to share with Diddlyi?
Hmmm, if getting more self-confidence is an achievement, then yes !
What’s the most important thing you have learned from dancing? Or do you have anything you want to say to other dancers?
I have learnt that you don’t get something out of nothing, and that hard work always pays off. I have also learnt how to deal with nerves (even though I can get very nervous before I go on stage at some big competitions!).
And I have made some of the best friends in the world !
What’s your favorite dance show and/or performer and why? Or is there any performer (even non dancing related) you admire?
I love Feet of Flames, as I got involved into Irish dancing more or less thanks to it. I [also] really admire some of the world champions. I am just back from the Great Britain Championships : they were just AMAZING. My crush was Amy Miae Dolan from McConomy school (winner of U12).
What’s the greatest thing about your dance school/dance group?
We are all really great friends, we have a great team spirit in our school. We all see each other outside of dance classes during nights out and stuff.
We are always helping each other and supporting the dancer if she/he is sad or disheartened… I really love my fellow dancers at Sarah Clark Academy !
Do you have any fun/interesting/unusual stories about something that happened to you while dancing?
Not really. Apart from falling many times on my bum while performing, nothing interesting.
Oh, yes ! I once danced with lady-boys… That was quite an experience !
Can you give us a little background about you (non dancing related)?
I am a student at La Sorbonne (I study economics and law applied to Italian and English). I used to play the piano, the flute and the drums when I was younger, and I have always been the worst pupil in my class at sports !!
Is there anything else you’d like say/highlight or anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank all my friends for always being there for me.
I wish I could see some of then more often. It is sometimes difficult to live in another country !
In One Word
[This is where we ask the spotlighted person to describe themselves and dance in one word.]
Olivia: Happy
Best thing about ID: Friends
Worst thing about ID: Pain
Strangest thing about ID: Sock glue
♣ Check out Olivia’s photos and video on Diddlyi.
Images courtesy of Olivia.
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