The drama-filled week of the 40th Irish Dancing World Championships, held in March 2010 in Glasgow, will be chronicled in the upcoming film ‘Jig.’ The movie features the real-life struggles of some of the three thousand dancers who competed in the championships, as well as their relationships with their families and teachers.
‘Jig’ aims to give the world its first glimpse into the little known competitive world of Irish dancing. The documentary, which is rated PG, also follows the dancers as they are fitted for their wigs, dresses and make-up.
BBC Scotland and Creative Scotland both provided financial support to ‘Jig’s award-winning director, Sue Bourne. The filmmaker was supported by both, as she was able to form relationships with Irish competitive dancers from Ireland, Holland, Britain, America and Russia. Bourne also shows the dedication, hard work and passion the dancers put in year-round to succeed at Irish dancing and perform on-stage for a few minutes. Such dancers include 10-year-olds Brogan from Derry and Julia from New York.
The 90-minute documentary opens in such select cities as New York, L.A., Chicago, Boston and Toronto on Friday, June 17, 2011. More information can be found about the movie on its official website, and its Facebook and Twitter pages.
Written by: Karen Benardello
