From watching her cousins perform at a young age to practicing six days a week and competing nationally, freshman Avery Hoffman found a passion in Irish dancing. Hoffman decided to try Irish dancing at the age of five and instantly fell in love with its unique style. Hoffman’s tenacity costs her much of her free time, but she has learned to balance school and dance over the years, she explained.

“[Irish dancing] is pretty much all I focus on,” Hoffman said. “I’ve made so many friends through it, and my teachers [are] like a second family to me.”

Hoffman competes locally in the Midwest, but goes as far as Ireland for the All Irelands, formally referred to as Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann, the oldest and one of the most prestigious Irish dance competitions that Hoffman has attended twice. It is composed primarily of dancers from England, Scotland, and Ireland, Hoffman said.

“[The All Irelands] was such a cool experience because there are so many amazing dancers,” Hoffman said. “[After] the most recent All Irelands, I felt really accomplished, I was able to beat about half [of] the competition.”

Hoffman is working towards qualifying for the World Irish Dance Championships held annually in different cities, which showcases the top one percent of Irish Dancers, Caitlin Hubick, Owner and Director of Hogan Irish Dance Academy located in Highland Park, said. Hubick has trained Hoffman for eight years at the academy, focusing on perfecting dance routines, strength training, and building stamina for the arduous competitions, she explained.

“Avery has become one of the hardest workers in class,” Hubick said. “She has grown as a dancer in terms of helping other kids and performing on a team.”

Competitions take place regionally, nationally, and globally, Hubick said. Two rounds take place during All Ireland dance competitions: The first round begins with hard shoes, a sort of tap shoe, and the second round is danced in soft shoes, the more flexible alternative, to execute different dance techniques and sound, Hoffman said. Shows are performed in groups while competitions are completed individually, Hoffman said.

“I love being finished with a competition and [being able to say] that I did every single thing I could to prepare,” Hoffman said. “My coaches make me love it even more and they show me what real commitment is.”

Hoffman is not only disciplined, with a demanding dance schedule consisting of strength training and private lessons 15 hours a week, but is an active role model for the younger kids in Irish dance classes, Hubick said. With a multifaceted skill set and a strong dedication to her passion, Hoffman will be successful in future as a professional dancer, Hubick said.

“She’s someone who you like to see come into the classroom,” Hubick said. “She’s a good balance of focus, but you’re also able to talk to her. She’s respectful and she participates in everything. You can always count on [Hoffman].”