North American Irish Dance Championships in Montreal

The North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are in Montreal at the Palais des Congrès and it’s attracting over 10,000 people, including nearly 4,000 of the best Irish Dancers from around the globe. The event, a qualifying competition for the World Championships 2023, also being held in the city.

“The NAIDC has been taking place for around 30 years,” said Marie Short, co-chair of the NAIDC. “It rotates around North America in a different city every year.”

The first and only time the competition was held in the city was in 2014. Having it back is described as “absolutely incredible” by Irish Dancing teacher, Michael O’Gorman.

“In 2014, it was actually the first time Montreal hosted a major Irish dancing competition,” he explained. “Since then, it’s turned into a fan favorite.”

The North American Irish Dance Championships 2022 held in Montreal. (Credit: NAIDC 2022)

This year’s championships is the first back since the pandemic began. Spectators are happy, and the competitors, excited to take to the stage.

“I got to dance with my friends, go on the stage and try to win something to rub it in my brother’s face,” said one young Irish Dancer, laughing – his fellow teammates joining in with giggles.

“I’m excited to be here today because this is my first North Americans,” said another.

The North American Irish Dance Championships returns to Montréal, from July 1-5, 2022, at Palais des Congrès de Montréal. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

This year’s championships are hosted by the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Canada – Eastern Region.

“It was a ton of work,” said Short. “But we’re really proud of the work we put in and how it’s turned out.”

“You just keep practicing it until it’s perfected,” said Abigail Schaub, 14-year old competitor whose been practicing Irish dance for ten years. “Once it’s good enough, you move on to the next thing.”

The competition runs from July 1 to 5 in Montreal, and for those who make it to the World Irish Dancing Championships – they will return to Palais des Congrès in 2023.

“All the time, I’m watching the older girls dancing,” said a young Irish Dancer. “Today I’m happy because I get to dance like them up on stage!”