Local Girl Wins Regional Irish Dance Competition
Eight-year-old Zoe Gallagher beats out 38 competitors to take first place. She will perform Thursday at the Florida State Fair.
Zoe Gallagher began performing a mere three years ago. However, on Feb. 5 she claimed the title of Southern Regional Champion for Irish Dance, competing against 38 performers from 14 states and Mexico. This would be a rare accomplishment for any experienced dancer, yet the pint-sized Gallagher was 7 during the competition. Each week Gallagher, of Westchase, spends hours at the McGinley Academy of Irish Dance practicing the moves required of Irish Dance. The upper body remains still, while the lower body jumps and kicks. Gallagher's love of Irish dance stems from watching a class. “When I was little, I was taking ballet and tap lessons and saw people doing Irish dancing and thought that it looked cool and fun," said Gallagher, who recently…
