What a great competition to be a part of! The videos were so fun to watch!  I want to thank my family, friends, and the judges of Heartbeat of Home for enabling me to continue forward in this competition. I have received so much support, my heart literally swells and happy tears have definitely been shed. It’s been so cool to receive congrats and well wishes not just from the people I talk to all the time, but from people I haven’t heard from in years. This competition has actually reconnected me with people, and I am grateful for that chance alone. Then of course I feel grateful to have the chance to be a part of such a great show, one that shares culture and dance with others. My dreams began with Riverdance, and I don’t think I am alone in making that statement. I would dance around the house pretending to be in the show. From there, I grew up totally immersed in Irish dance. I have yet to find another form that resonates within me so well. Irish dance literally is the beat within my heart and is what I think about every day pretty much all day. My heartbeat of home so to speak is on any floor, whether it be a super market aisle, a stage, or in class, because it is on the floor that I feel most comfortable with myself. And as I’ve stated with my video, I drive a good amount to be able to practice those movements. But I wouldn’t go back and change my getting into it. Anyone of us in this crazy world knows that you give up so much to be a part of it, but that it is so worth it in every way. Through dance I have been given my best friends, travel experiences, and the feeling of knowing what it truly means to be alive. This show would allow me to not only continue that, but inspire a whole new generation to have dance dreams of their own. What could be better than giving back to the world that gave me everything?

Thanks again and congrats to all the other winners, can’t wait to meet you!

Emily MacConnell