So, this is an article I’ve written – it could always use some revision I’m sure – and I’m currently searching for it to have a nice home in a nice magazine or online website! Let me know what you think! If you’re near/around where we live – seriously check this out! IT is SUCH a blast!
Irish dance nights at Llywelyn’s Pub, Missouri
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
8:26 PM
Know anyone who enjoys some fantastic dancing, good food, great music, plus a great selection of alcohol – for those of you over 21, that is?! If yes was an answer to any of those things, then you need to gather a group of people together, and head over to Llewelyn’s Pub in Webster Groves, on the first Sunday of *almost* every month from 5:45 or so, until about 8:30 or 9!
https://llywelynspub.com/menus
For well over a few years now, a local to Saint Louis, Missouri Irish dance school, O’Faolain’s Academy of Irish Dance ( http://www.ofaolainacademy.com/ ) has partnered up with Llewelyn’s to create a family friendly night out for the dancers to practice in a different setting rather than their studio. More commonly known as OFA Nights at Llywelyn’s! This also allows the dancers’ families as well as anyone else interested in seeing the school’s talented dancers, ranging in age from around 3-4 to late teens (even some adults too!) show off their skills and wide variety of dances they practice constantly.
This isn’t just your average dance school, either! I’ve personally had the pleasure of knowing the owner for about 7 years now, as she’s not only family, but she was my husbands’ Irish dance teacher for his whole “career” as a dancer! Jennifer Bartley, owner of O’Faolain’s is a phenomenal dance instructor, and constantly on the go. She doesn’t just teach the students either – she’ll give them a boost of confidence and good pat on the back if it’s needed – I just watched her get up and “help” one of the youngest dancers (around 4 years old) of tonights’ show who was a bit leery of dancing in front of such a crowd – she grabbed the girls hand and together they danced across the stage! She is also always looking for a way to help her students, her school and get their name out there! http://www.ofaolainacademy.com/about-us
Some of these dancers have travelled the globe competing in all sorts of competitions against one another and other Irish dance schools to see who can make it to the top! This is one of the most cut-throat sports out there that no one really knows a whole lot about – unless, of course, you’re around it all the time as a family immersed in it!
Irish dancing, if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing it done personally, is quite the sight to see. It makes you want to get up and dance and be amazed at the training and perseverence that it must take for these girls and guys to handle this art-form! Definitely a must-see – and since partnering with Llywelyn’s – YOU get the opportunity to see it up close! The only other way you’d see something like this is at your local St. Patrick’s Day parade, if the parade you go to has a spot in their lineup for their local Irish dance schools – as they do not all have! Even if you do see something like this at a parade, you can’t get this close – close enough to actually see the dancers’ shoes click together 4 feet from your face – or stomp the floor loud enough for you to hear it 6 tables away!
Possibly the best part about this entire monthly event, is that 20% of all of the proceeds generated are sent to the Academy where the dancers practice their craft! You’re not only getting to see an awesome performance, but you’re helping the students out as well!
If you’d like to reach out to Jennifer to learn more about O’Faolain Academy of Irish Dance, the school’s number is 314-517-3057; and they are located in Webster Groves, Missouri. For a fun night out, any night of the week, Llywelyn’s Pub is located at 17 W Moody Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119 – they can be reached at 314-962-1515. http://www.ofaolainacademy.com/contact-us
