SAINT COLMCILLE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING

HOW IT ALL BEGAN Mrs Kathleen Bastable

founded her school of Irish dancing in 1937.

She began to dance at the age of 3 and was teaching by the age of 17.

BACKGROUND Her first award was won

in 1928 in the Irish games.

She opened her school with the belief that every child should be able to enjoy a good hobby regardless of how poor or rich they are.

“ No child is too small or poor to dance as long as they can walk”

One of the first group of children to enter a competition under her school

BACKGROUND Over the years 1000’s of

children and adults have passed through her school.

Some of her more famous students included Micheal Flatley and Kevin Massey.

She is also known for her countless fund raising and charity dances over the years.

She was also nominated for person of the year in both1984 and 1988

MAJOR FUNDRAISING Outdoor competitions and

street dances for various causes.

Raising founds for the rebuilding of dun laoghaire in 1965.

Her first display was held in dun laoghaire on the 28th of March 1937.

Her students have also competed in competitions all over the world.

TODAY Today her school has

seen over 3000 children down through the years.

With 3rd generations now starting to dance.

After an amazing 74 years of teaching , at the age of 93 she is Ireland longest serving Irish dancing teacher.

MY WORK At 93 her love and dedication to the children

is still strong. Her age however means that she does need

help to teach her students. My role as a past student has been to assist

her in teaching her children every Tuesday and Friday.

Many of her past students have returned to her and gave their free time to help keep this important school running.

MY HOPES AND FEARS Hopes

To gain more experience working with children

Maybe improve on my teaching skills and possibly keep this on as a lifelong hobby.

Fears Feeling out of my

depth in some situations

My time limits. Not getting all of my hours done.

Thank you