McMahon brings winning attitude to
Irish dance classes in Lewiston

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, September 2, 2006

Moira McMahon (center) with two of her Irish dance students.

Though she’s too modest to admit it, Moira McMahon seems to have golden feet.

Consider: In 1994, the Irish dancer represented North America on the Emerald Isle in the sport’s World Competition. Prior to that, she was a Top 10 finisher at contests spread across the U.S.

Today, McMahon is a teacher, with classes at five locations – including the First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston, where her students are earning medals in feiseanna events just about as fast as they learn their steps.

“We have a very disciplined class,” she said. “As much as we like to have fun, we work.”

Having made a name for herself as a competitor, McMahon began working with students in 2000, instructing classes through the Butler Academy. In 2004, she became a registered teacher, obtaining her license from the An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland. Her students range in age from 3-16 – and they’re “not just girls,” she says.

While McMahon can no longer contend as a dancer – the flipside to becoming a registered teacher – her competitive nature still exists. Her school bears her name, and within its program she wants her students to experience what she did as a dancer.

“I want them to be the best,” she said. “We spend a lot of time on our structure and our foot placement and the different rhythms.”

Aside from the complexity of steps, McMahon’s students are excelling thanks to a positive attitude instilled in them by their teacher. While the sport and its schools can be cutthroat, Moira encourages camaraderie between competitors.

“I encourage friendships with kids from other dance schools,” she said. “You’re seeing these kids every weekend – why shouldn’t you say hello?

“We want to have a friendly attitude with everyone.”

Belinda Clifford of Newfane said it’s McMahon’s teaching methods that have allowed her children, Jack, 10, Will, 5, and Kiera, 8, to win nine medals since June.

“We like that there’s a lot of one-on-one attention with the kids,” Clifford said. “I think it’s the attention Moira gives them; she’s very patient with them.

“They have a lot of fun.”

The students from the McMahon School of Irish Dance will perform an exhibition at the Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. For more information on the school, visit www.mcmahonirishdance.com.