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Photos: Footloose and Innisfree

A makeshift dance floor at the Acton Free Public Library became a venue for young Irish dance students.

By Trace Salzbrenner ·

Grace John (left) and Mary McKenna (right) perform a jig. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Grace John (left) and Mary McKenna (right) perform a jig. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Irish eyes — and all in attendance — were smiling as the Innisfree Massachusetts Irish Dance School performed jigs, reels, and other traditional dances last Saturday at the Acton Free Public Library. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Irish eyes — and all in attendance — were smiling as the Innisfree Massachusetts Irish Dance School performed jigs, reels, and other traditional dances last Saturday at the Acton Free Public Library. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge

A makeshift dance floor at the Acton Free Public Library became a venue for young students to show what they’ve learned after weeks of practice. 

Families packed tightly around the space on March 21, leaning in as students from the Innisfree Massachusetts Irish Dance School performed quick, synchronized steps. The group’s appearance wrapped up a busy St. Patrick’s Day season for the Acton-based school.

Meghan Allen, dance instructor and owner of The Innisfree Massachusetts Irish Dance School, helps the younger dancers show off what they have learned. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Meghan Allen, dance instructor and owner of The Innisfree Massachusetts Irish Dance School, helps the younger dancers show off what they have learned. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Flanked by their teachers, young dancers perform the traditional taps and skips of Irish dances. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Flanked by their teachers, young dancers perform the traditional taps and skips of Irish dances. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Welles Turner, center, performs the traditional Irish piece, “The Sweets of May.” Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Welles Turner, center, performs the traditional Irish piece, “The Sweets of May.” Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge

“It’s been two weeks of a lot of dancing around Acton and Framingham and Acton and a bunch of other towns,” said Acton resident Kelly Turner, whose 6-year-old daughter Welles performed. “This is really the biggest two weeks of the season.”

For Meghan Allen, who founded the school in 2007, the presentation reflects a centuries-long tradition. 

“We love the lively music,” said Allen, who began dancing as a child after seeing performers at an Irish festival. “It’s just sort of a fun, active, energetic dance and a good way to move.”

Turner said the appeal is both cultural and personal. 

“They have to stand up there by themselves and dance,” Turner said. “It’s just such a great way to build confidence and individuality.”

Mary McKenna takes her turn in front of the line of dancers. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Mary McKenna takes her turn in front of the line of dancers. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Dancers perform a ceili dance called a four-hand reel. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge
Dancers perform a ceili dance called a four-hand reel. Photo: Trace Salzbrenner/The Acton Bridge

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