Marc West laces up his tap shoes to join a troupe of Irish dancers as they celebrate at a city centre pub

It all started with a (slightly inebriated) chat with a bloke down the pub – doesn’t it always? Next thing I know, I’ve agreed to participate in a special performance of Irish dancing in celebration of St Patrick’s Day... and I’m not even from the Emerald Isle!

This isn’t a load of old Blarney, said bloke just happened to be a protégé of Irish-American sensation Michael Flatley, I kid you not. After graduating with a distinction in Performing Arts, 30-year-old dancer and choreographer Chris Naish joined Lord Of The Dance and toured the world for the best part of a decade before going it alone to create his own unique concept show, Fusion Fighters. This new-wave performance crew adopt a limitless approach to collaboration – with music, technology and... wait for it, martial arts!

“For me,” says Chris, “dance is like a universal language that we can all understand. Tonight is a celebration of many different styles all under one roof.”

All true pro’s have the gift of making their area of expertise look almost easy to the casual onlooker, but take my word for it, this was not a walk in the park. You need the dexterity of a gnat with more than a dash of Irish luck to get anywhere near pulling this off – especially in front of a home crowd in O’Neill’s.

Manager Eamon O’Sullivan wished one and all “cead mile failte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) to join the jig and so I laced up my tap shoes and took to the floor. Even a “simple” step like trebles was causing me trouble, but at least everyone’s eyes were smiling and they were all laughing along with me (or, was it at me?).

Either way, chance encounters like that are in my opinion what life’s all about and actually led to one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve ever had jigging around (with my clothes on). All helped along by a few jars of the black stuff, of course.

If you too are up for the craic and fancy having a go at the more traditional style of dance, one of the most established institutions in the country is right here on our doorstep.

Founded in 1988, the Marion Flanagan School of Irish Dancing teaches classes to all ages throughout the week at venues around the county. In addition to learning the fine art, the school places emphasis on keeping fit, building self-esteem and, most importantly, having lots of fun – so, it’s suitable for all.

Each year, the troupe participates in a number of displays and competitions – including the prestigious John Flanagan Memorial Feis – held in honour of Marion’s father, who died in 1999 and was the original inspiration behind the school. This year’s event takes place at St Gregory The Great School in Cowley on May 24-25. n For all details visit marionflanagan.co.uk