Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Knutson.
Hi Rachel , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Mother, May Kirmer Buckley was a war bride who came to America at the age of 19. She was a dancer at the Theater Royal in Dublin and brought with her the love and art of dance. She instilled this in me at a young age. I followed in her footsteps and now teach the Shamrock School of Irish Step Dance that was started in Colorado in 1973 by my Mother. We are a performance and competition based school now in the Twin Cities since 1989. We have a world class Irish Dancer who qualified and competed in the Worlds CLRG competition this past may in Dublin – Evan Johnson Odegard. We perform all over the Twin Cities area during the St. Patrick’s Day season and during Irish Fair time in August.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, struggles with studio space, getting a group together, costuming, lots of practicing, etc. There are always challenges but quite worth the efforts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of continuing in my Mother’s footsteps, becoming a Certified Irish Dance Teacher, and sharing the love and joy of Irish Step Dance most days of the year. What sets us apart from the others is our Passion and Desire to become better dancers and share our talents with the World!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes, never give up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shamrockirishdance.com
- Facebook: Shamrock School of Irish Step Dance
