Kiko Camp, Christina Leopold, instructor Sarah Nash and Maureen Duffy. (Photo courtesy of Whirlijigs)

MEDIA RELEASE

Irish step dancing performance group the Whirlijigs performs 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the Lava Lounge at Kilauea Military Camp in Volcano to recognize St. Patrick’s Day.

There is no fee for the show, however because the Lava Lounge is within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, park fees may apply.

Led by instructor Sarah Nash, who has 20 years experience performing and teaching Irish dance, the Whirlijigs will perform traditional dances in their softshoes and percussive hard shoes.

The hard and soft shoes worn by the dancers are custom made in Ireland by the same company that outfits well-known dancers, such as the Riverdance dance troupe.

Providing an authentic Irish dance experience, the jigs and reels performed by the Whirlijigs are the same ones performed in pubs across Ireland.

Keiki dancers from Volcano School of Arts and Sciences will also perform a traditional ceili dance called the Waves of Tory.

During the performance the Crater Rim Cafe located next to the Lava Lounge will offer a corn beef and cabbage buffet dinner for $17.50 per person.

The Whirlijigs also will perform during the half-time show for the Pacific Rollergirls at the roller derby bout Saturday, March 16 in Honokaa. The roller derby theme is “Stomp on the Shamrocks” and will take place at the Honokaa community gymnasium.

Adults and teens interested in learning Irish step dance can join Nash and the Whilijigs 5:45-6:45 p.m Thursdays at the YWCA on Ululani Street in Hilo.

Classes are ongoing, and drop-ins are welcome for $10/class (sessions are reduced in price).

Keiki Irish dance classes are Mondays at the Volcano School of Arts and Science on Mondays. The classes are grades K – 2, from 2:40 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. and grades 3 – 8 from 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

For more information on the keiki classes call the Afterschool Enrichment Coordinator at 985–9800.

For further information, contact Nash at 333-6713.