AMERICAN DANCERS STEP IT OUT IN OMAGH
American dancers step it out in Omagh
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY
A GROUP of American Dancers who were in town celebrating the Bluegrass Festival had to make a dramatic U-turn from Dublin Airport back to Omagh last week following the terrible New York tragedy.
After flights to the USA were suspended, the 24 member group found themselves stranded in an unfamiliar country and were left with no alternative but to return to Omagh.
In an ironic twist of fate the dancers' first visit to the Folk Park followed just after the Omagh Bomb in August 1998.
This week the dancers at the centre of the drama the Bailey Mountain Cloggers said they would never forget the hospitality and concern shown by the people of Ireland and particularly in Omagh by the WELB. They were in the city shopping when the the devastating news that their country had been attacked unfolded. As group members gathered by the payphones, thoughts of safety for family and friends had emotions running wild.
On their return to Omagh the WELB's Youth Department came to the rescue providing accommodation at the Ulster American Folk Park Residential Centre.
Gay Lefford, the group's Managing Director, teacher and choreographer explained "The manager of WELB Residential Centre at the Ulster American Folk Park Derek Evans had travelled with us to Dublin. Our leaders and some of our young adults had come to know him in recent years and he kindly arranged for a bus to take us back to the the Residential Centre where meals and accommodation were provided until we could fly home to North Carolina. In his quiet and efficient manner, Derek, made by job much easier," said Gay.
The young Americans were given access to computer and Internet facilities in the Technology Centre and WELB provided transportation to take the group to Belfast and the Giants Causeway.
This latest drama recalled for many of the talented young dancers their first visit to Omagh which followed after the bomb in August 1988.
"After that tragedy we raised funds back home and returned the following year when we presented a cheque to the Memorial Fund. Now, during our third visit, the United States has suffered at the hands of terrorism but help and support has been returned three fold," added Gay.
Founded in 1974 the group is named after the peak that overlooks their College campus, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. They form a company of student dancers of unparalleled talent and success. Their showings in regional and national competitions have made them one of the premier clogging troops in the country and have led to their participation in festivals in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Austria, and Ireland.
Mars Hill College students who dance with the Bailey Mountain Cloggers are eligible for scholarships and talent grants while pursuing their education.
The Bailey Mountain Cloggers arrived for the Ulster-American Bluegrass Festival last week and due to the ' ragedy in the United States has been unable to return to their home in North Carolina. After the group's performance at the Folk Park, the team travelled to Dublin where they planned to depart from the airport on Wednesday.
It was while the students were shopping in the city, after travelling to Dublin airport the students were faced with the devastating news that their country had been attacked.
As group members gathered by the payphones emotions were running wild. Team member Clay Vassey told the Herald "The recording on the phones, 'Due to the tragedy in the United States you may experience difficulty placing this call,' we realise that this was a stressful time for not only Americans but also for the rest of the world.
Although the students want to get home to their family they intend to let everyone know how well they have been treated by all those with whom they have come into contact during our extended stay in this country.
Due to the ongoing restrictions on travel, some of the group will return to the USA today and the remainder will travel home over the next few days.
Mandy Austin commented "The kindness that we have been shown by everyone is unbelievable. They have all made us feel as close to our own homes as possible."
One of the parent/chaperones with the group Jean Langrehr,penned this special tribute to the people of Ireland
"I want to put my arms around Ireland
The way she put her arms around me
When I was a stranger among hers
She treated me like family
Although there is an ocean between us
We won't ever be far apart
Because I will carry my memories
Of Ireland always in my heart."
The Bailey Mountain Cloggers say they will never forget the hospitality and concern shown by the people of Ireland and extended a special thank you to the many people who helped them in there time of need.
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY
A GROUP of American Dancers who were in town celebrating the Bluegrass Festival had to make a dramatic U-turn from Dublin Airport back to Omagh last week following the terrible New York tragedy.
After flights to the USA were suspended, the 24 member group found themselves stranded in an unfamiliar country and were left with no alternative but to return to Omagh.
In an ironic twist of fate the dancers' first visit to the Folk Park followed just after the Omagh Bomb in August 1998.
This week the dancers at the centre of the drama the Bailey Mountain Cloggers said they would never forget the hospitality and concern shown by the people of Ireland and particularly in Omagh by the WELB. They were in the city shopping when the the devastating news that their country had been attacked unfolded. As group members gathered by the payphones, thoughts of safety for family and friends had emotions running wild.
On their return to Omagh the WELB's Youth Department came to the rescue providing accommodation at the Ulster American Folk Park Residential Centre.
Gay Lefford, the group's Managing Director, teacher and choreographer explained "The manager of WELB Residential Centre at the Ulster American Folk Park Derek Evans had travelled with us to Dublin. Our leaders and some of our young adults had come to know him in recent years and he kindly arranged for a bus to take us back to the the Residential Centre where meals and accommodation were provided until we could fly home to North Carolina. In his quiet and efficient manner, Derek, made by job much easier," said Gay.
The young Americans were given access to computer and Internet facilities in the Technology Centre and WELB provided transportation to take the group to Belfast and the Giants Causeway.
This latest drama recalled for many of the talented young dancers their first visit to Omagh which followed after the bomb in August 1988.
"After that tragedy we raised funds back home and returned the following year when we presented a cheque to the Memorial Fund. Now, during our third visit, the United States has suffered at the hands of terrorism but help and support has been returned three fold," added Gay.
Founded in 1974 the group is named after the peak that overlooks their College campus, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. They form a company of student dancers of unparalleled talent and success. Their showings in regional and national competitions have made them one of the premier clogging troops in the country and have led to their participation in festivals in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Austria, and Ireland.
Mars Hill College students who dance with the Bailey Mountain Cloggers are eligible for scholarships and talent grants while pursuing their education.
The Bailey Mountain Cloggers arrived for the Ulster-American Bluegrass Festival last week and due to the ' ragedy in the United States has been unable to return to their home in North Carolina. After the group's performance at the Folk Park, the team travelled to Dublin where they planned to depart from the airport on Wednesday.
It was while the students were shopping in the city, after travelling to Dublin airport the students were faced with the devastating news that their country had been attacked.
As group members gathered by the payphones emotions were running wild. Team member Clay Vassey told the Herald "The recording on the phones, 'Due to the tragedy in the United States you may experience difficulty placing this call,' we realise that this was a stressful time for not only Americans but also for the rest of the world.
Although the students want to get home to their family they intend to let everyone know how well they have been treated by all those with whom they have come into contact during our extended stay in this country.
Due to the ongoing restrictions on travel, some of the group will return to the USA today and the remainder will travel home over the next few days.
Mandy Austin commented "The kindness that we have been shown by everyone is unbelievable. They have all made us feel as close to our own homes as possible."
One of the parent/chaperones with the group Jean Langrehr,penned this special tribute to the people of Ireland
"I want to put my arms around Ireland
The way she put her arms around me
When I was a stranger among hers
She treated me like family
Although there is an ocean between us
We won't ever be far apart
Because I will carry my memories
Of Ireland always in my heart."
The Bailey Mountain Cloggers say they will never forget the hospitality and concern shown by the people of Ireland and extended a special thank you to the many people who helped them in there time of need.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0845
Published Date: 20-Sep-01
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