Irish dancing school thrives like a rose in the Mexico desert

In May of 2000, Irish Dancing de Mexico was founded by Alicia Mosti, a trained ballerina, and self-trained and later certified, Irish dance teacher. Now there are seven academies under Mosti's dance school, the newest of which is located in Tijuana, taught by Yovanna Torres Blanco, who also runs an academy in Guadalajara. 

Irish dancers in Mexico

On November 8, 2012, dancers from Irish Dancing de Mexico participated in "Fiesta de los San Patricios", a celebration honoring the Irish fighters of Mexico. Along with the Rose Ritchie Academy of Irish Dance, Blanco's students were able to perform for an enthusiastic crowd. "For the first time, dancers from Mexico and USA shared a stage to dance at a bicultural event without involving any competition," Blanco says. 

Yovanna Torres, adult Irish dancer in Mexico
 in "Take the Floor 2012"
Photo: courtesy Yovanna Torres

Many of the Irish dancers in Mexico began learning the sport on their own from videos of the famous dance shows, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. From those humble beginnings, a rose has sprouted in the desert. Students of all ages, including adults participate in dance performances and travel to competitions in the United States and Mexico, including the school's own Feis Acapulco. Today Irish Dancing de Mexico claims over 500 students and more than 7600 medals and trophies. 

Irish Dancing de Mexico
Photo: courtesy Yovanna Blanco

Among the dancers in Blanco's school in Guadalajara, there are several adult Irish dancers. Blanco encourages adults to join in and dance, regardless of their age. "I like to tell my adult students: in Irish dance, nothing is impossible," says Blanco. "If you are a late starter it will take you longer to get a step right, but it is always possible."

Ciara Sexton and Yovanna Blanco at Take the Floor 2012
Photo: courtesy Yovanna Blanco

Blanco herself began Irish dancing as an adult at 22 years of age. She  had the opportunity to compete as a senior lady, and recently performed in the show Take the Floor 2012.

She trains by herself and travels once a month to Mexico City, where Alicia Mosti teaches her the steps and helps her polish her technique. "It has not been an easy road," says Blanco,  "but the best feeling in the world is to teach people (Irish dance), and see them grow, and reach their goals."

There is plenty of room for the growth of Irish dance in Mexico, and Blanco intends to put in the effort to help others dance for many more years to come.