An artist appearing with the Kelly Miller Circus in Townsend on July 12 has ties to the Flying Irish Dancers of Ashby. From 2000-2005 the Flying Irish ran performance "Extravaganzas" that combined Irish dance and other art forms in themed shows.

The show in 2004 was called "Pirate Irish" and Rebecca Ostroff, a KM aerialist, performed a solo routine on aerial silks and on the Spanish web in the group finale. Coincidentally, the Flying Irish have reworked the finale from that year's show and are entering "Pirate Irish" as a dance drama at the North American Irish Dance Nationals in July.

"It was such a treat for my dancers to work with a professional of Becky's (Rebecca) caliber in our 2004 show," stated Mary-Sarah O'Hanlon, the Flying Irish founder and director. "She was friendly and encouraging to even the littlest performer backstage and onstage she just shines. I'm so excited for my current dancers to have a chance to see her perform live."

Ostroff and O'Hanlon met at the Sarasota Circus Festival in Sarasota, Fla., in 1997. The festival hosted a circus competition and O'Hanlon was the ringmistress for the show where Ostroff was competing on the swinging trapeze. A shared love of dance lead to their fast friendship.

For more information, please contact Mary-Sarah O'Hanlon at 978-386-2325 or dance@irishstepdancing.com.

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