Saratoga Girls to Perform With The Chieftains on Friday

The kids at the Green Comerford Academy of Irish Dance are used to performing.

This year’s class has danced more than 100 times at weddings, St. Patrick’s Day events, and other festive occasions in the U.S. and Ireland.

But two months ago, teacher Sondra Greene received an unusual request: The Chieftains were coming into town, and wanted the kids to dance along with their music at The Mountain Winery. They’ll be making their big appearance this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

“Some of the dancers didn’t know who they were. Some did and recognized their music,” said Greene. “All of the parents knew who they were, though, and were thrilled to have their kids perform.”

The girls dancing with The Chieftains—a traditional Irish band that has performed with the likes of Sinead O’ Connor—are Caitriona Costello and Caroline Jens, both 14 and from Saratoga; Arianna Kazemi, from San Carlos; and Laura Larson and Amanda Ernenwein, from San Jose.

Student Anya O'Flaherty, 13, also from Saratoga, was supposed to perform but due to an injury will just attend the concert and cheer on her dance mates.

"The girls are super excited to have been invited to dance with the Chieftains.  Not only is the Mountain Winery a beautiful venue, but it is an honor to perform there. The girls are proud to represent their dance school. Caroline says it's akin to being a back-up dancer for a famous band, although she probably wishes it was for 'One Direction,' " said proud mom Grace Jens, whose daughter Caroline attends Saratoga High School.

Annsue Costello, mother of  Caitriona, also a SHS student, said her husband is from Dublin, Ireland and he grew up listening to The Chieftains.

"We and granny in Ireland are thrilled that Caitriona has the chance to dance with the Chieftains. We joke that the Chieftains are the only band to have opened for both the Rolling Stones and the Pope," she said.

"All of the girls dancing on Friday are like daughters to me. I've watched them grow up. The girls have been teammates for a long time. We've known them since they were little girls," Annsue Costello said.

Jeanette O'Flaherty, mother of dancer Anya, a student at Sacred Heart School in Saratoga, noted: "It's exciting for the girls to dance in a non-competitive venue for an audience that loves Irish music and culture."

She added that the young dancers have been learning Irish dance since they were in elementary school and have competed all over the country and in Ireland at regional, national and international levels. "But to dance at a gorgeous hometown venue will definitely be a highlight they will always remember beyond any competition."

Those interested in attending can still purchase tickets, which range from $45 to $85.