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Watch This Chicago Firefighter Learn To Dance the 'TriniJig'

By Ariel Cheung | March 6, 2015 6:09am | Updated on March 6, 2015 8:40am
 Trinity Irish Dance Academy is hoping its new TriniJig will catch on through social media.
Trinity Irish Dance Academy is hoping its new TriniJig will catch on through social media.
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Trinity Academy of Irish Dance

LAKEVIEW — This St. Patrick's Day, the Trinity Irish Dance Academy is hoping Chicagoans will catch step dance fever and learn the "TriniJig."

Trinity — which offers classes at The Anthenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., in addition to other locations in the Chicago area, Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., — has won more world titles than any other North American school, said Mark Howard, founder and artistic director.

"Trophies are just a small part of what we do. There's a unique philosophy that centers on the empowerment of every kid and instilling self-confidence," Howard said. "The majority of what we do is connecting with the community by celebrating this really beautiful art form of Irish step dancing."

As part of that mission, Trinity created its own somewhat simplified jig for St. Patrick's Day, which officials dubbed the "TriniJig." They now want to share it with the world. So far, they've taught it to a Chicago firefighter and a Fox TV reporter and have plans to perform at an upcoming Chicago Blackhawks game.

"It's going viral," said Howard, who is hopeful a new YouTube video might attract national attention.

In the Feb. 25 video, three-time world champion dancer Peter Dziak shows off some fancy footwork before teaching the TriniJig steps to firefighter Rob Arnoldt. Trinity invites viewers to learn the dance and post their own videos, and the person with the most shares and likes will win a chance to dance with the company in a St. Patrick's Day parade.

"We don't like to take ourselves too seriously. In celebrating this beautiful Celtic tradition, we're innovative, but we can also put on the green hat and dance," Howard said.

The jig coincides with the Lakeview academy's open house Saturday, in addition to a grand opening of a Lincoln Square location. Trinity Irish Dance Company also is celebrating its 17th team world title and preparing for a world championship. The company recently returned from a two-week tour in Japan as well.

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