Irish Dancing with Ariana Hofelmann
Ariana Hofelmann is a senior here at OHS, and a world-class Irish dancer. Geeta Shankar learns more about Ariana's fascinating art form.
Pixel Journal: When did you start dancing?
Ariana Hofelmann: I started Irish Dancing when I was 6 years old. I had just moved from Phoenix AZ, to Hosuton TX. I have been dancing for just over 12 years.
PJ: How did you specifically get into Irish Dancing?
AH: I started ballet and jazz/tap when I was about 4 years old, in Phoenix and I really liked it. I especially liked tap. While we lived there, Riverdance came through town and my mom took me to watch it, just for fun. I fell in love with it, and decided that that was what I wanted to do. Shortly after, we moved to Houston, and found a dance school for me to start at, and the rest is history.
Ariana competing
PJ: What are some specifics of the Irish Dancing you do?
AH: I do each type of dancing. Step dancing is the one featured most prominently in competitions. This is solo dancing in which each dance school can choreograph different steps to the same music. In a major championship, such as regionals, nationals or worlds, there are four of these dances: reel, slip jig (both soft shoe dances, i.e soft ballet shoes and steps focusing on swiftness and jumping ability), hornpipe and treble jig (both hard shoe dances, i.e. tap-like shoes and steps focusing on power and rhythm). Set dances are steps and songs that are set and do not change. Each song, like St. Patrick’s Day, Blackbird, Garden of Daisy’s, King of the Fairies, and more, has set choreography that was created during the early days of Irish Dancing. Lastly, Ceili dancing is dancing in groups, 4’s or 6’s or 8’s. Like set dances, ceili dances set and do not change.
PJ: What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
AH: I recently qualified to dance at the World Championships in Dublin, which has been a goal of mine since I was 6 years old. To finally achieve it is the most incredible feeling. I am also very proud to have won Regionals twice with my team in Houston, as well as to have participated in a 15-person choreography.
PJ: What kind of impact has your dancing had on people around you?
AH: I have performed many times in churches and at parades, as well as helped teach young children how to dance. It is amazing to see other people fall in love with my sport, and to appreciate the art form. I love any opportunity to spread Irish Dance around the world.
Ariana competing
PJ: Who are some of your idols or favorite dancers?
AH: My favorite dancers are Olivia Griffin, Melanie Valdes, Brian Perry-Cerrera, Jason Hays, and Caitlin Webster, to name only a few. Each of these dancers has such a unique style that and grace to their dancing that make it look effortless; I love it.
PJ: Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start dancing?
AH: My advice for anyone wanting to become a dancer would be to practice a lot, because there is always something to improve upon. Buy comfortable shoes, because your feet will hurt a lot. And do not ever forget why you dance. I dance because I love it, and that is the most important thing to remember.