Cavan dancing talent on show on TG4...

TG4's hit show, An Jig Gig, returns this year and will feature dancing talent from Cavan. The show which starts on Sunday, September 26, will feature acts from across the country battling it out to become Ireland's best traditional dance act. Sonia Leonard from Ard-Rialla dance school tutored two groups from the Cavan and Fermanagh area, which competed in this year's show. "We had girls from Cavan, Belturbet, Ballyconnell, Kildallan, Killeshandra, Bawnboy, as well as Fermanagh." The groups tutored by Sonia were Ri Ra agus Ruille Buaile, who were aged between 13 and 22, and Cáilíní Deasa who were aged between eleven and 14. "It was great fun to take part in this show as it was very different to what the children had been used to. "Irish dancing is traditionally very formal and this was a bit more contemporary. "For example in the first show the girls danced to the cover of a Michael Jackson song. It gave them the opportunity to cut loose a bit." In a nail-biting final last December, Irish Beats finally emerged victorious to claim the title of An Jig Gig Champions 2009, triumphing over World Champion Clodagh Roper, Celtic Roots, and The Mark Donnellan Memorial Team. Eight to ten groups are involved in each show, with the winner going on to the quarter final. Sonia was not a liberty to disclose how her groups fared but said that they had significant success on the show. Also taking part from Cavan was a set dancing group from Crosserlough who were tutored by Gerard Gunn and they can be seen on the November 7 show. Hosted by Róisín Ní Thomáin, the show will again see hundreds of acts, from all different styles of Irish dance, and all age groups, take to the stage. This is the only competition of its kind, where Irish dancers of any organisation, age, style, or standard can compete head to head. Whether it's a solo step dancer, or 16 set dancers, young or old, anyone who can Irish dance is eligible. Star judges Keeping a close eye on all the talented hopefuls are the three judges. Breandán de Gallaí, a former lead dancer with Riverdance, is used to working with the world's top Irish dancers. Also featured is Dearbhla Lennon, who is also a former lead dancer of Riverdance, has experienced performing at the top level in Irish dance for years. Making up the trio is Labhrás Sonai Choilm Learraí, a champion Sean-nós dancer and a fanatical supporter of the older styles of Irish dance. All three judges are experts in the field of Irish dance, but whether or not they will see eye to eye with such a variety of styles on display is yet to be determined. With all the incredible traditional dance talent in Ireland, no one can know for sure who will emerge victorious. Only one thing is for certain - one act will be crowned champion and will claim the title of best traditional Irish dance act 2010. • The show starts on Sunday, September 26 and will be broadcast on TG4.