A 19-year-old blind Irish dancer, Meabh Conneely, was inspired by Chris McCausland's win on 'Strictly Come Dancing', feeling it opened doors for dancers with visual impairments.
A blind Irish dancer feels Strictly winner Chris McCausland has “paved the way” for people with visual impairments and shown what they can do “when given the chance to try”. Meabh Conneely, 19, from Co Galway, was born blind and had laser eye surgery as a baby which allowed her to regain 70% of the vision in her left eye, but it was unable to save her right.
At around 15 years old however, Meabh noticed a “severe drop” in her ability to see in her left eye – and it was around this age when she was also diagnosed with autism. Her visual impairment has not stopped her from chasing her love for Irish dance however, and Meabh’s efforts have taken her to dance at open level, complete the Riverdance summer school this year and take on many workshops and masterclasses with the aim of becoming a professional dancer in the future. Her passion even captured the attention of a lead dancer in Riverdance and one of her role models, Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, who reached out to her in 2021 – coincidentally around the time when Meabh’s spirits “plummeted” during the Covid-19 lockdown. Meabh, who is currently a student studying Irish language, communication and translation at the University of Galway, said although learning new choreography is her “toughest challenge”, dance is her “escape” and it transforms her into her “true self”. “Professional dance shows and the dance world in general should watch out as Chris (McCausland) has paved the way and just showed us a great example of what we as blind dancers can do when given the chance to try,” Meabh told PA Real Life. “It takes courage to step into our world of no sight…as a blind dancer or blind individual I would definitely be using Chris as a great example to the dance community that anything is truly possible.” McCausland became the first blind Strictly Come Dancing champion this year as he and his partner, Dianne Buswell, lifted the glitterball trophy on December 1
Strictly Come Dancing Chris Mccausland Blind Dancer Irish Dance Inspiration
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blind Irish Dancer Inspired By Chris McCausland's Strictly VictoryMeabh Conneely, a 19-year-old blind Irish dancer, finds inspiration in Chris McCausland's win on Strictly Come Dancing, believing it opens doors for visually impaired dancers.
Read more »
Strictly Come Dancing: Rise in visually impaired dance studentsThe success of blind Strictly contestant Chris McCausland has prompted new interest in dance.
Read more »
Chris McCausland: 'If Strictly is purely a dance contest, give it to Tasha'Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland has pushed back against trolls questioning his place in the BBC ballroom series as final nears.
Read more »
Strictly's Dianne in floods of tears after 'emotional' Chris McCausland danceBBC Strictly Come Dancing fans were left reaching for the tissues after professional dancers were seen in tears following a moving routine from comedian Chris McCausland.
Read more »
Strictly's Chris McCausland says it's not a 'dance contest' and says 'no point'The comedian is set to take part in the show's semi-final this weekend with his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell
Read more »
Strictly's Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell in tears after final ever danceStrictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell broke down in tears after their final dance in the BBC show's grand final
Read more »