Padraic Moyles talks to Shaunessy Sinnott

What age you started dancing, how long you have been dancing and for who?
I began Ballet lessons at age 4, and Irish dance lessons at age 7. I studied musical theatre, jazz, acro-gymnastics, hip hop and lyrical from age 14. That’s a total of 18 years (and counting!). I danced for a number of different studios for different styles, but the Corrigan School of Irish Dancing in London, Ontario is where I finished my competitive Irish Dance career.
Who is your dancing idol or inspiration?
Nora Corrigan was my teacher from age 16, and she has inspired my dancing the most. She was a lead dancer in Riverdance and toured with the company for five years. I never dreamed that being a professional dancer was within my capabilities until Nora coached me. She taught me to how to set, and achieve goals in dance, and in life. She helps all her dancers to believe in themselves, to be positive and hardworking, and to never give up on their dreams.
Biggest achievement in dancing to-date?
My biggest achievement in dancing was being a part of Celtic Crossroads’ DVD and Television production of The Gathering Tour. This special is still airing on PBS and Ovation TV in North America. I had heard about the show, and had seen the Celtic Crossroads television special at home on PBS before I was a cast member. When I was offered a position with the company on their 2012 and 2013 Tour, I was thrilled! I felt so honored to be a part of such a talented group that I had seen on TV the year before!
What you expect or feel the live auditions will be like?
I expect that the live auditions will be full of nerves, and a lot of excitement. I’m so looking forward to performing for the panel of judges, and to being in a room with some of the greatest dancers in the world!
Which video and which dancer outside of the top 20 was most impressive to you?
Some of my favourite videos of the Top 20 were Chelsea Holloway and Owen Jones. I thought they both had great dance technique, and performance skill! I also liked the videos put together by Natasia Petracic, Erin Trevena, and Alice Ann Robinson. There are too many great audition videos to just pick one!

Shaunessy