Lexington, SC 03/03/2025 - Lexington, South Carolina, is buzzing with pride as three of its own, Cassidy McGee, Lachlan Jolly, and Aeryn Jolly, prepares to take the global stage at the 2025 CLRG World Championships of Irish Dancing in Dublin this April. These talented dancers, all hailing from the Connick School of Irish Dance, are part of an elite group of seven World Qualifiers from the school, showcasing the exceptional training and dedication fostered under the guidance of many teachers to include Sandra Connick, ADCRG, and Pamela McGuiness Pierce.
The trio from Lexington earned their spots on the world stage through hard work and lots of practice. Aeryn and Lachlan first qualified at the North American Irish Dance Championships in July, with Cassidy joining them in December when all three secured their places again at the Southern Region Oireachtas. They’ll be joined by four other qualifiers from the Charlotte area, two sets of brother-sister duos, rounding out the Connick School’s impressive roster heading to Dublin. This prestigious event, known as the pinnacle of Irish dancing, features the top one percent of dancers in each age group worldwide, making their achievement a testament to years of passion and perseverance.
The Connick School of Irish Dance, founded by Sandra Connick in 1994, has been a powerhouse in the Irish dancing community for over three decades. Connick teamed up with Pamela McGuiness Pierce that same year, and together they’ve built a legacy of excellence. While Connick oversees the broader school, Pierce primarily runs the Lexington studio, where Cassidy, Lachlan, and Aeryn honed their skills. The partnership has proven unstoppable, producing dancers who not only compete at the highest levels but also embody the spirit and joy of Irish dance at all levels and ages.
For these seven qualifiers, Irish dancing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Each discovered their love for the art form at a young age and has since poured countless hours into perfecting their craft. As the World Championships approach, their days are a whirlwind of schoolwork and intensive training. But it’s not just about the steps. Their preparation includes strength training, stretching routines, and stamina-building exercises, all while meticulously refining their turnout, clicks, batters, crossing, and posture. Every leap and tap is practiced over and over, aiming for that flawless execution that could earn them a coveted spot on the world podium.
Ask any of these dancers what drives them, and they’ll point to their teachers. “Mrs. Sandra and Mrs. Pam, and our other teachers have instilled in us a love for dancing and pushed us to grow in ways we never imagined,” says Lachlan Jolly, echoing a sentiment shared by his fellow qualifiers. It’s this mentorship that has propelled the Connick School’s students to the top ranks of Irish dance. Together, this group of seven will carry the Connick School banner to Dublin, hoping to make their mark among the world’s best.
