As the global phenomenon Riverdance celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Celtic Junction Arts Center (CJAC) in St. Paul also marks 15 significant years of nurturing Irish arts and community. Founded by former Riverdancer Cormac Ó Sé and his Minnesota-born wife Natalie Nugent O’Shea, CJAC is a hub of arts, culture, and community that extends the legacy of the international dance phenomenon.

Foundational History

Born in Dublin, Cormac left school at 16 years old to perform with Riverdance alongside his siblings, Colm Ó Sé and Dara O’Shea Delap. Their parents, Aine and Séamus, ran Scoil Rince Uí Shé, the renowned Dublin dance school that provided the majority of the dancers for the production. Cormac recalls the deep passion his parents shared for Irish dancing,  that blossomed from their first meeting at a ceili and subsequent performances on Irish television’s ‘Club Ceili’ in the 1960s. Their dedication saw them teaching thousands of children over nearly five decades, instilling a legacy of dance that Cormac and his siblings would inherit.

In 1994, 17 Uí Shé dancers appeared in RTE’s production of ‘Riverdance’ as the interval act of the Eurovision Song Contest. Riverdance The Show soared to global fame the following spring, captivating audiences with its powerful rhythms and gorgeous melodies. The show employed over twenty of Uí Shé Irish Dance’s top-level dancers including the founders’ own three children. Cormac, the youngest of the three, toured the world with Riverdance The Show for more than 2000 performances over 6 years.

Establishment of O’Shea Irish Dance and CJAC

Cormac and Natalie, a theater lighting designer, met in Minneapolis during Riverdance’s first American tour in January 1997, moved to Dublin in 2000, and had their eldest child, Adrienne, at the Coombe, the same hospital in which Cormac was born. In 2001, they settled in Minnesota. O’Shea Irish Dance (OID) was founded in 2005, inspired by young Adrienne’s interest in learning Irish dance. It wasn’t long before the dance classes they taught in rental spaces in both St. Paul and Minneapolis grew, prompting them to think bigger. The Celtic Junction would be the result.

Established in 2009, CJAC stands as a testament to their commitment and the community’s support. It houses their dance school, an Irish music school, and offers everything from sessions to concerts and Irish language classes- all under one roof that buzzes with energy.

The Founding of Celtic Junction

In 2009, amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous American economy reeling from the housing market collapse and the grip of a severe recession, the Celtic Junction emerged as a beacon of hope and community spirit. The decision to acquire the expansive industrial building seemed audacious and unwise to many, given the prevailing economic uncertainties. However, the plan was buoyed by the partnership with O’Shea Irish Dance (OID) & Center for Irish Music (CIM), founded by Kate Wade and Jode Dowling, who also dreamed of a permanent home for their community music school.

With the support of a silent partner, the O’Sheas took the bold leap forward, securing the space that would serve as a cornerstone for Celtic arts in the Twin Cities, including their resident partner Center for Irish Music, and shortly after that Irish Fair of Minnesota. But it wasn’t just financial backing or renters that made this endeavor possible; it was the communities’ unwavering dedication and grassroots efforts. Volunteers rallied together to transform the building into a welcoming space for artistic expression.

From remodeling to painting walls, many hands contributed to the metamorphosis of the once-neglected structure into a thriving center for cultural enrichment. This fusion of economic investment and grassroots volunteerism embodies the spirit of CJAC, a testament to the power of collective action, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and a powerful hope for the future.

Riverdance’s Enduring Legacy

The show that debuted as a Eurovision interval act in 1994 revolutionized Irish dance and sparked a global interest in Irish culture. Its impact resonates through CJAC’s halls, where the rhythm of tapping feet and the melody of fiddles pay homage to Ireland’s artistic heritage. This connection enriches CJAC’s mission, making it a hub for those drawn to traditional and contemporary Irish activities. Now with three children of his own, Cormac fully appreciates the ‘deep place’ that Irish dancing held for his parents, a sentiment that has guided him in nurturing his family’s connection to this vibrant tradition, over four thousand miles from where it started.

Five years ago, to mark the 25th Anniversary of Riverdance, twenty original dancers were invited to RTE’s Late Late Show to relaunch the 25th Anniversary production in October of 2019. Cormac and his siblings, Colm and Dara, were invited to participate. Cormac, being away playing music for the Australian National Irish Dance Championships, could not attend – but he asked if his then 18-year-old daughter could take his place. And so it was that his eldest child, Dublin-born, Minnesota-grown Adrienne O’Shea, became the first “Riverdance baby” to don the gear and perform with the show.

Adrienne said about her trip to Ireland to perform on the Late Late Show, “In the forefront of my mind the whole weekend was how this thing – this show – that we are celebrating 25 years of… How without it, I would not be here! My parents lived on opposite sides of the world and were doing completely different things. Riverdance brought them together.” She continues, “So many things came out of their finding each other. Without them, I wouldn’t exist, and by extension, O’Shea Irish Dance wouldn’t be here, and the Celtic Junction Arts Center wouldn’t exist. All the energy and effort they put into Irish music and dance in Minnesota wouldn’t have happened. Once I start considering the connections and ramifications of their partnership and the changes it has engendered – it’s amazing!”

Since then, Adrienne has continued her studies, earning a Master’s Degree in Traditional Irish Music Performance from the University of Limerick, and releasing her debut album, Threads of Gold, on the CJAC stage. She is a product of the CJAC facility, a culture-bearer for the traditions of Irish dance and music and a living part of that Riverdance legacy. 

Roots and Resonance

Established to celebrate, promote, and preserve Irish and Celtic arts, CJAC has grown from a fledgling arts center to a respected cultural institution recognized across the continent. As CJAC continues to grow its community and expand its plans, it is beginning to see the fruits of its labor in ways that hadn’t been anticipated this soon.

Like Riverdance in 2019, CJAC is now beginning to witness full-circle moments! After 15 years, a new generation has been nurtured within its walls—children who have grown up immersed in the arts offered by the resident organizations. This generational continuity is beautifully illustrated by a former OID dancer, Joanna Day-Fuerst, who now brings her children to OID dance classes at CJAC, ensuring that the tradition not only endures but thrives.

CJAC’s collaboration with the Center for Irish Music (CIM) and O’Shea Irish Dance (OID) creates a multigenerational synergy that caters to all ages and skill levels. From children taking their first dance steps to adults mastering the intricacies of fiddle playing or conversational Irish, CJAC offers an environment for artistic growth. Eighteen-year-old Morien, a participant at CJAC, reflects on his experience: “I grew up at CJAC with CIM, OID, and Irish Fair. At every artistic level I achieved, a new opportunity waited for me. It’s still happening.”

Empowering the Next Generation

In 2023, recognizing the importance of youth engagement in cultural preservation and innovation, CJAC established a Youth Advisory Council. This council, composed of young individuals who have grown alongside CJAC, will play a crucial role in ensuring that the center evolves with the aspirations and perspectives of younger generations. These members are not just participants but also creators and educators. Many have honed their talents through years of dance and music performances in “Kickin’ It Irish,” a dance show that echoes the dynamism of Riverdance. Their involvement marks a proactive step towards integrating youthful energy and ideas into CJAC’s programming, securing a vibrant future for Irish arts.

Vision for the Future

CJAC is considering the next chapter as it celebrates 15 years at The Junction—an industrial building that was once more space than could have been imagined for filling. The community has grown, and so have the ambitions. Originally, the spacious building seemed more than adequate, but now, as CJAC is bursting at the seams, it is clear that its success has outgrown its physical capacity.

CJAC is committed to making the center more accessible and welcoming. Installing an elevator to the mezzanine level, where the library and classroom is located, is a top priority. However, the vision for CJAC extends beyond physical improvements; the center aims to evolve with the needs and aspirations of its community.

This is where the community’s input becomes crucial. Whether it involves enjoying a hot meal during events, travelling to Ireland to practice Irish, or dreaming up a dedicated performance space, patrons’ priorities are invaluable. Together, everyone can shape the future of CJAC, ensuring it remains a home for Irish arts and culture for generations to come.

Join the Celebration

As CJAC reflects on its journey, it invites the community to be part of its future. Visitors can explore the rhythm of its concerts, the grace of its dance shows, and the camaraderie of its ceilis. Individuals are encouraged to enroll in classes to deepen their understanding of Irish culture and history, or introduce their children to Irish dance and music through lessons at OID and CIM.

CJAC also welcomes volunteers to make a meaningful impact on the organization. Their support is instrumental in crafting unforgettable experiences for attendees and ensuring the success of events and programs. Those interested in volunteering can write to volunteer@celticjunction.org for information and opportunities.

Creating a Legacy

Much like Riverdance, which has enthralled global audiences for over 30 years, CJAC is poised to inspire for decades to come. As Riverdance laid down roots that transformed the landscape of Irish dance worldwide, CJAC is dedicated to cultivating a rich soil in Minnesota from which new generations of artists and enthusiasts will continually emerge, long after the founders have passed on their legacy.