Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe
1998–present
Founded in 1998, the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe has grown to roughly 95 dancers and performed at Walt Disney World — keeping Irish culture alive for a new generation.
From Village Tradition to Stage
The Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe was founded in 1998 by Patricia McCormick Baese, with informal beginnings dating to the mid-1990s. What started as a small group of local children learning traditional Irish dance steps has grown into one of the most visible expressions of Hubbardston's living Irish heritage.
Growth
The troupe has grown to approximately 95 dancers, ranging in age from 3 to 18. This is a remarkable number for a village of 345 people — it means a significant portion of the area's young people are engaged in Irish cultural practice. Many dancers come from surrounding communities as well, drawn by the troupe's reputation and the unique cultural experience it offers.
The troupe is non-competitive and performance-based, emphasizing community, cultural preservation, and the joy of dance over competition scores and rankings. This philosophy reflects the communal spirit of Hubbardston itself.
Performances
The troupe performs regularly at:
- The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade — the troupe's home stage and annual highlight
- Community festivals and events throughout central Michigan
- School programs and cultural presentations
- Walt Disney World — the troupe has performed at Walt Disney World twice, bringing Hubbardston's Irish heritage to a national audience
Patricia McCormick Baese
Founder Patricia McCormick Baese was recognized for her contributions to Irish culture when she was inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame in 2018. Her work in establishing and sustaining the troupe has ensured that Irish dance — one of the most distinctive expressions of Irish identity — remains a living tradition in Hubbardston rather than a historical memory.
Leadership
In 2010, Emma Jandernoa became director of the troupe, continuing the mission of teaching Irish dance to young people in the Hubbardston area. Under her leadership, the troupe has continued to grow and perform.
Cultural Significance
The Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe represents something important: the active transmission of Irish culture to new generations. While many aspects of Hubbardston's Irish heritage are preserved in archives, cemeteries, and historical accounts, the dance troupe is heritage in motion — young people learning the steps and rhythms that connect them to Counties Wexford, Monaghan, Tipperary, and Wicklow across nearly two centuries.
In a village where many residents can trace their ancestry to the Irish immigrants of the 1840s and 1850s, the troupe ensures that Irish identity is not just remembered but practiced.
Sources
- Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame — Patricia McCormick Baese (2018)
- Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe