“I see dance being used as communication between body and soul, to express what is too deep, and too fine for words.” –Ruth St. Denis. This quote embodies everything that I believe in and have experienced. I believe in Irish dance and its power to heal all wounds. To me, Irish dance is a way to express what is not able to be said, and is only able to be understood through dance. Through all my trials and tribulations, and even through my most joyful experiences, I have danced to express the emotion I was feeling. I find peace in the rhythm of a song, and the way it flows through my body, creating such beauty; and that is what I live for. I live for the moment when I feel the song come to life through my own body; a feeling that is so indescribable, and can only be understood by others who have felt it also. Irish dance is the best way to express emotion, whether it’s anger, sadness, despair, love, hate or happiness; it allows the dancer to put their body to motion and convey their true feelings. I feel that through dance, I can show people the side of me that’s not regularly exposed. Irish dance breaks me down, and shows the more reclusive, personal side of myself. Irish dance calms me and keeps me grounded and sane. Irish dance is my passion, my best friend, and my life. It has helped me discover myself and to work past the struggles in life. I discovered my passion for Irish dance at the age of ten when I saw a video of the World Championship on YouTube. I wasn't even dancing at the time yet it felt like I knew what they were doing, and I’ve never stopped dancing since then. I love the energy of Irish dance, and it’s always what I go to when I need a pick-me-up. Going through the loss of my grandmother, great-grandmother, and my uncle, in a matter of five months in 2009, and when my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, I turned to dance, and it was the only way I knew I could cope with my loss other than through