Martin Bradshaw ‘19
Major: Public Relations
Year: First-Year
The art of dancing varies from culture to culture. There is one aspect of dance that is held with high importance, regardless of the style; that aspect is technique. The execution of dance as an art form requires a great amount of effort, skill, and exceptional technique.
Martin Bradshaw, an award-winning competitive Irish dancer began this form of dance at the age of six.
What made you start Irish dancing?
I started back in 2003 because of a show called Riverdance; it was the world’s first touring Irish dance show. My parents went to go see the show and loved it so they bought it on VHS. After seeing the tape once when I was four, I continued to watch it all the time and attempt to dance along. Eventually my mom convinced me to take lessons and it took off from there.
If you had to choose, what is your favorite part about this style of dance?
I think my favorite part is the rhythm and the intricacy of the footwork.
Have you won any awards at competitions?
I’ve won numerous local competitions, placed first at both the New England Regional Orieachtas and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Orieachtas, sixth at the North American Championships, and 15th at the World Championships.
Where is the furthest place you’ve traveled in order to compete?
I’ve travelled as far as Anaheim, Montreal and Ireland to perform and compete. I will also be travelling to Glasgow, Scotland this spring to compete in the World Irish Dance Championships.
Describe the hardest part about dancing?
When I started at Hofstra, I moved 200 miles from home so I’m dancing with a new studio now that’s about 20 minutes from campus. The classes at this studio are very different from what I’m accustomed to and are very difficult. The hardest obstacle to overcome has been adjusting to the studio and getting used to the fast-paced and intricate footwork in the choreography that they have given me.
What does dance mean to you?
I have a love/hate relationship with dance. I’m currently training with a highly competitive studio and my teachers push their students very hard in class. The pressures of competing sometimes make me think about quitting but I just have to remind myself that all the hard work and stress will pay off in the end. It’s also something that I have been passionate about for so long that I just can’t imagine life without it. It’s a significant part of my life.