A costume and shoes worn by one of Derry’s best known Irish dance teachers almost 60 years ago forms part of a new exhibition at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
The dress and shoes, worn by Pat Henderson when she was All-Ireland and Ulster champion in 1955, are included in A Step In Time: The Story Of Irish Dance which explores the development of Irish dance and its growth in popularity in recent years.
The exhibition – which will run until January 2016 – also includes footage of Pat’s appearance on the Ed O’Sullivan Show in the US as well as an audio account of her meeting with Bing Crosby.
The exhibition charts the fascinating history of Irish dance from the 1800s, telling its full story through people and collections such as pieces from the celebrated teacher of Irish dance and choreographer Patricia Mulholland, through to a bespoke costume by acclaimed designer Gavin Doherty.
Pat said she felt “privileged” to have her costume and shoes included in the exhibition.
Through the “Pat Henderson Academy of Irish Dancing,” Pat provided her services during last year’s City of Culture to teach Ceili Dancing to both sides of the community for children who had not had the opportunity of learning it before.
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